Saka delivers again as Arsenal maintain perfect Premier League start
Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal as Arsenal ground out a difficult 1-0 victory over Aston Villa to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season.
The England international struck just before the hour at Villa Park, turning home Riccardo Calafiori’s low cross from close range after Eberechi Eze had helped create the opening.
It was a considerably tougher assignment than Arsenal’s dominant 3-0 opening-day victory over Coventry City, but the defending champions again found a way to collect all three points.
Aston Villa made the stronger start and came within inches of taking the lead when Emiliano Buendia’s long-range effort crashed against the crossbar with David Raya beaten.
Arsenal gradually established control of possession but struggled to create clear openings during a tight first half, with Villa successfully restricting space around the penalty area.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta responded at the interval by introducing Eze, and the change eventually proved decisive.
The Gunners briefly thought they had been awarded a penalty after Ian Maatsen brought down Saka, only for VAR to establish that the contact had occurred just outside the area.
Martin Odegaard sent the resulting free-kick narrowly wide, but Arsenal did not have to wait much longer for the breakthrough.
Eze released Calafiori down the left channel in the 59th minute and the Italian defender slid a low delivery across goal for Saka to finish from only a few yards.
The goal was Saka’s second in as many league matches after he also found the net against Coventry in Arsenal’s opening fixture.
Villa attempted to respond and pushed more bodies forward, although Arsenal’s defensive organisation prevented the hosts from seriously testing Raya.
That commitment also left spaces for the visitors to exploit on the counter-attack, with Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki producing a strong save to deny Kai Havertz after he was sent through on goal.
Ezri Konsa was later introduced for his Arsenal debut against his former club and helped the Gunners protect their narrow advantage during the closing stages.
Villa ultimately finished without a shot on target despite their spells of pressure, highlighting Arsenal’s ability to manage an awkward away contest after taking the lead.
The result also marked Arteta’s 250th Premier League match as Arsenal manager and ensured the champions followed their emphatic opening victory with another important three points.
Arsenal have therefore started their title defence with consecutive wins, while Saka’s decisive contribution at Villa Park demonstrated the resilience required when performances are less fluent.
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