Arsenal claimed a narrow 1-0 victory away to Aston Villa in the second round of the Premier League, securing a second consecutive win to make a perfect start to the new league campaign.

The hosts made the brighter start at Villa Park and came close to taking the lead when Emiliano Buendia unleashed a powerful effort from distance. The shot beat the goalkeeper but rattled the crossbar, leaving Aston Villa frustrated.

Arsenal gradually grew into the contest and began to take control of possession. The decisive moment arrived shortly after the interval, when the visitors finally found the breakthrough.

In the 56th minute, Bukayo Saka finished from close range after meeting a driven cross into the six-yard box, sending the ball into the net to put the Gunners ahead.

Aston Villa pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages, but Arsenal remained composed under pressure. Mikel Arteta's side defended resolutely to protect their advantage and leave Birmingham with all three points.

2026-27, England - Premier League

Aston Villa - Arsenal 0:1 (0:0)
Goals: Saka B., 59 (0:1)

Aston Villa: Suzuki Z.; Lindelöf; Torres Pau; Maatsen I.; Kamara B.; Cash (Wan-Bissaka, 78); Barkley (Garnacho, 78); McGinn J.; Hemmings (Alysson Edward, 71); Buendia; Jackson N. (Abraham T., 71)
Substitution: Alysson Edward (from 71); Abraham T. (from 71); Wan-Bissaka (from 78); Garnacho (from 78)
Bench: Bizot; Mings; Ruggeri; Bogarde L.
Yellow Cards: Alysson Edward 80; McGinn J. 81; Maatsen I. 90

Arsenal: Raya; Mosquera Cr. (Konsa, 79); White B.; Gabriel M.; Calafiori; Lewis-Skelly (Bruno Guimarães, 71); Saka B.; Odegaard (Merino, 71); Havertz; Rice (Zubimendi, 85); Tzolis (Eze, 46)
Substitution: Eze (from 46); Merino (from 71); Bruno Guimarães (from 71); Konsa (from 79); Zubimendi (from 85)
Bench: Arrizabalaga; Hincapie; Madueke; Gyökeres
Yellow Cards: Tzolis 29