Bukayo Saka scored the only goal as Premier League champions Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa read more Saka fires Arsenal to 1-0 win at Aston Villa
Bukayo Saka scored the only goal as Premier League champions Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Monday night.
Saka’s second-half strike earned Mikel Arteta’s side another three points and extended their perfect start without conceding a goal.
The England winger had also scored in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Coventry in their season opener and once again proved decisive when his team needed a breakthrough.
Arteta named the same starting XI that began the win over Coventry, with Arsenal controlling the contest before Saka eventually found the decisive goal.
The victory provided a strong statement of intent from the defending champions, who have collected maximum points from their opening two matches.
It was also a memorable occasion for Arteta, who marked his 250th Premier League game in charge of Arsenal with another victory.
Arsenal’s squad depth was highlighted late in the match when Ezri Konsa came off the bench to make his debut for the club against his former side.
The England centre-back joined Arsenal from Villa for £51 million ($69 million) on August 21.
Arsenal now face their first major test of the season on Sunday when they host Chelsea, who have also won their opening two matches.
Arteta could have another attacking option by then, with Arsenal continuing to pursue Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
The only concern for Arsenal was a potential injury to Declan Rice, who limped off in the closing stages.
The result lifts Arsenal to six points from two matches, while Villa remain without a point after consecutive defeats.
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