Arsenal edge past troubled Aston Villa 1-0 as Saka scores only goal

Arsenal extended their flawless start to the Premier League season as Bukayo Saka sealed the champions’ 1-0 win against troubled Aston Villa.

Saka’s second-half strike at Villa Park on Monday wrapped up Arsenal’s second successive victory.

In a statement of intent to their title rivals, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s side have taken maximum points from their opening two games without conceding a goal.

It was the ideal way for Arteta to mark his 250th league game in charge of the Gunners.

Arteta had picked the same starting lineup that cruised to a 3-0 win against Coventry in their season opener 10 days earlier.

Saka was on the scoresheet in that victory and once again the England winger delivered a valuable contribution.

Underlining the quality at Arteta’s disposal, England centre-back Ezri Konsa came off the bench in the closing stages for his Arsenal debut against his former club after leaving Villa in a 51 million pound ($69m) move on August 21.

Arsenal will face the first serious test of their ability to retain the title on Sunday when they host London rivals Chelsea, who have also won their first two matches.