Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the 2026/27 Premier League season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Aston Villa, making it two wins from two matches.
The Gunners had to work for the three points in a tense and physical encounter, with Bukayo Saka producing the decisive moment shortly before the hour mark.
Villa came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half when Emiliano Buendia struck the crossbar, but neither side could find the net before the interval.
Arsenal eventually took the lead in the 59th minute. Saka calmly finished Ricardo Calafiori’s cutback into an unguarded net after Villa goalkeeper was caught out of position.
The goal marked another milestone for Saka, who has Nigerian heritage, as he scored in consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since November 2024.
Villa pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Arsenal’s defence stood firm despite several late challenges and bookings.
The victory was also significant for manager Mikel Arteta, coming in his 250th Premier League game in charge of Arsenal.
With maximum points from their opening two matches, Arsenal remain at the top of the Premier League table, while Aston Villa’s difficult start continued as they remain without a point and sit at the bottom of the standings.
Arsenal will now look to maintain their winning momentum as they continue their bid for another Premier League title.
