Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the game as Premier League champions Arsenal secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Aston Villa.
The England international settled the contest by finishing from close range after Riccardo Calafiori’s cutback, with Arsenal’s goal coming from their first shot on target.
Aston Villa had threatened in the first half when Emiliano Buendia’s effort struck the crossbar. Villa could have faced a further setback had the ball gone in, with a foul potentially ruling out the goal.
Arsenal were later awarded a penalty after Ian Maatsen was judged to have fouled Saka inside the area. However, a VAR review determined that the contact occurred outside the penalty box, resulting in the penalty being overturned and a free-kick awarded instead.
Arsenal pushed for a second goal after taking the lead, with Kai Havertz forcing a save from Villa debutant goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
Mikel Arteta also introduced England defender Ezri Konsa in the second half for his Arsenal debut against his former club. Konsa received a warm reception from the Villa supporters just 10 days after leaving the club.
The victory moves Arsenal onto six points from their opening matches, while Aston Villa have suffered back-to-back defeats following a significant reshaping of their squad during the summer.
Arsenal will now look to build on the result as they continue their defence of the Premier League title.
