Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the 2026-27 Premier League season with a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Monday, with Bukayo Saka scoring the decisive goal in the second half.
Villa made the brighter start and came close to breaking the deadlock when Emiliano Buendia’s 20-yard effort struck the crossbar, while Ian Maatsen also went close. Arsenal struggled to create clear opportunities in the opening half.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta introduced Eberechi Eze at the break in an attempt to add greater attacking threat. The visitors were awarded a penalty in the 54th minute after Saka went down following a challenge from Maatsen, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review showed the foul had occurred outside the box.
Saka put Arsenal ahead five minutes later. Eze picked out Riccardo Calafiori with a clever pass before the Italian’s low cross found Saka, who bundled the ball into the net.
Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki kept the hosts in the contest by denying Kai Havertz, but Arsenal held firm to secure all three points.
The defeat left Villa without a point after two matches, although they showed improvement following their 4-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion. The hosts failed to register a shot on target against Arsenal.
Arsenal’s victory extended their 100 per cent record at the start of the campaign as they continued their title defence.
