FOOTBALL – Arsenal preserved their perfect start to the Premier League season yesterday with a narrow 1-0 victory over Aston Villa, a result secured by Bukayo Saka’s second-half finish.
The reigning champions were made to work for the points in a closely contested encounter, but Saka’s 59th-minute goal proved enough to send Arsenal away from Villa Park with another victory.
The result leaves Arsenal among four teams on six points after two matches, keeping them at the top end of the early standings.
Villa, meanwhile, remain without a point – and, more alarmingly for manager Unai Emery, have yet to register a shot on target this season.
Villa are still adjusting to a dramatically reshaped squad. More than half of the players who started their Europa Cup triumph in May have since departed, leaving Emery with the difficult task of rebuilding his side while competing at the highest level.
Two summer arrivals were handed starting roles against Arsenal. Nicolas Jackson led the attack, while Zion Suzuki took over in goal from Emiliano Martinez, becoming the first Japanese goalkeeper to feature in the Premier League.
The hosts made the more energetic start and briefly threatened to seize control when Emiliano Buendia struck the crossbar with a long-range effort.
Arsenal gradually settled into the contest, however, and grew stronger as the opening half progressed.
The visitors finished the first period as the more composed side, although they struggled to create clear openings and Suzuki was rarely seriously tested.
The pattern continued after the interval, with Arsenal increasingly controlling the game without producing a decisive breakthrough.
Villa appeared to have been handed a major setback when Saka went down under a challenge from Ian Maatsen nine minutes into the second half and a penalty was initially awarded.
A video review, however, overturned the decision and replaced the spot-kick with a free-kick.
Saka would not have to wait much longer to make the difference.
With the hour approaching, Eberechi Eze combined cleverly with Riccardo Calafiori before the ball reached Saka, who bundled the finish home from close range to put Arsenal in front.
Villa were unable to find a response, and Arsenal saw out the remainder of the match to claim a valuable three points.
For Mikel Arteta’s champions, it was another victory built on patience and defensive discipline.
For Emery and Villa, the early-season defeat underlined just how much work remains as a new-look squad attempts to find its identity.
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