Bukayo Saka’s second-half strike saw Arsenal defeat Aston Villa 1-0 in their first Premier League away match of the season.
The Gunners kicked off their title defence with an imperious 3-0 win over Coventry City on the opening night of the new season. A tricky trip to Villa Park at the end of the second weekend was always going top be a more difficult prospect. Still, for Mikel Arteta’s side it garnered the same result – three points gained.
The first half was far from vintage. Zion Suzuki remained untested during his first 45 minutes in between the sticks for Villa. Similarly, David Raya was also not called into action in the first period. Emi Buendia rattled the crossbar from range early on, and that was as close as either side would get in the first period.
Nevertheless, Arteta will not have been wholly unsatisfied. His team dominated possession at a tricky ground for visitors, just lacking the cutting edge to carve out any real chances. The frustration for Arsenal’s attackers was exhibited as Christos Tzolis booked for a challenge on Matty Cash. The Greek international found himself replaced at the break, with Eberechi Eze sent on.
The half-time substitution seemed to bring the desired result for the visitors, who immediately improved in forward areas.
Less than ten minutes into the second half, Arsenal though they had a penalty, as Saka tangled legs with Ian Maatsen and went down. Jarred Gillett took his time before pointing to the spot but VAR quickly intervened to instead award a free-kick.
Still, the opener would come just five minutes later. Eze slipped Riccardo Calafiori in behind, and the Italian cut a perfect ball back for Saka. The winger turned home from point-blank range and celebrated with the exuberant travelling fans.
Arsenal never added to their advantage, instead tending to drop back as the game wore down. Villa pressed forward, emboldened by the home support and in search of an equaliser. However, with their squad heavily depleted this summer, the hosts could not find a way through the Arsenal backline, and failed to direct any efforts on target at Raya’s goal. It is now two clean sheets in two for the Spanish goalkeeper, whose monopoly on the Premier League Golden Glove looks set to continue this term.
Unai Emery’s side offered an improved display of themselves after their horrific opening day defeat to Brighton, but ultimately could not lay a glove on the visitors. Arsenal were a class above, cruised to victory and continued the perfect start to their title defence.