Saka’s Winner Keeps Defending Champions Arsenal on Track

Bukayo Saka settled a tight match in Birmingham, scoring the goal that gave Arsenal a 1-0 win over Aston Villa and maintained the champions’ perfect start to the Premier League season.

Arsenal dominated possession but struggled to create danger against an organized Villa defense. The hosts gave new signing Nicolas Jackson his debut, yet he had little to work with during a first half that began brightly before fading.

Saka initially thought he had won a penalty after Ian Maatsen brought him down. VAR showed the foul occurred just outside the area, leaving Arsenal with a free kick that produced nothing. Saka quickly made amends.

Riccardo Calafiori reached the byline and delivered the ball into the area, where Saka finished from close range. Villa pushed forward for an equalizer, but Arsenal’s defense remained firm and goalkeeper David Raya was never seriously tested.

Arsenal now have six points and a 4-0 goal difference after two matches. Newly promoted Hull are the only other team to have kept clean sheets in both opening rounds.