Bukayo Saka scored the only goal as Premier League champions Arsenal secured all three points with a narrow victory over Aston Villa.
The England international slid the ball into a near-empty net from Riccardo Calafiori’s cutback, producing the first shot on target of the match.
Villa came close in the first half when Emiliano Buendia’s effort struck the crossbar, although the goal would likely have been ruled out for a foul had the ball found the net.
Shortly before Arsenal took the lead, the visitors were awarded a penalty after Ian Maatsen was adjudged to have fouled Saka. However, a video assistant referee review showed that the incident occurred outside the box, prompting the referee to overturn the decision and award a free-kick instead.
Kai Havertz later forced a save from Villa debutant goalkeeper Zion Suzuki as Arsenal sought to put the result beyond doubt.
Arsenal also handed England defender Ezri Konsa his second-half debut against his former club. The defender received a warm reception from the Villa supporters, just 10 days after leaving the club.
The victory takes Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to six points, while Aston Villa have suffered back-to-back defeats after losing a significant portion of last season’s squad.
