**Bukayo Saka** spoke about another tough test for **Arsenal** at **Villa Park**.
The _Gunners_ had to battle to a 2-0 victory in August 2024 in the Midlands and they suffered a last gasp 2-1 defeat away to the _Villans_ in December 2025. So even though Villa were battered 4-0 by **Brighton** on the opening matchday, the **Premier League** title holders expected to be pushed hard.
·**‘Without the ball, we were incredible’**
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Indeed, **Arsenal** could not control the contest with the consummate confidence they demonstrated against **Coventry City**. Villa’s settled system under **Unai Emery** presented problems on both sides of the ball, and the go-ahead goal from Saka only fuelled the fire of the _Villans_ in the final half hour.
Thankfully, the defensive discipline from the _Gunners_ allowed them to hold onto another clean sheet. It is clear that their firm foundations will continue to make them a difficult opponent to defeat.
_"Very, very tough game. It's not easy coming here, they made it hard for us. It feels even better to come out with the win._
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_"The way they defend, really compact and with a high line, they caught us offside. We had to adapt to that. Different from what we faced last week, we weren't able to implement our attacking pattern._
_"One goal is normally enough for us because we are so solid at the back. When we got the first one, it actually opened the game up. We wanted to push for the second one. But weren't at our highest level with the ball._
_“Without it, we were incredible. As soon as we lost it, we were running back. We knew that they liked to play in transition. All the boys put in a shift tonight. It helps with a clean sheet."_