Bukayo Saka netted the decisive goal in the second half, allowing Arsenal to edge past a resilient Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The England international found the net from close range shortly after the hour mark, benefiting from a clever build-up involving Eberechi Eze and Riccardo Calafiori, who exploited gaps in a well-organized Villa defense.
This victory ensures the defending champions continue their perfect start to the season, while Villa is still looking for their first win of the campaign.
Bruno Guimarães made an impressive league debut coming off the bench for the Gunners, joining fellow newcomer Ezri Konsa, who received a mixed welcome from the Villa fans upon his return.
Additionally, Nicolas Jackson made his first start for Villa after his transfer from Chelsea last week.
The match could have taken a different turn if Emiliano Buendia’s shot hadn’t hit the crossbar, and despite applying late pressure, Villa was unable to equalize.
Upcoming Villa signings Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ibrahim Mbaye were in attendance and likely appreciated the early action in the match.
Villa captain John McGinn sent a shot over the bar before Buendia’s impressive 22-yard strike rattled the crossbar.
Arsenal began to control possession but struggled to create clear opportunities.
The first half ended without any shots on target, with Ian Maatsen shooting wide after cutting inside from the left.
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Left-back Maatsen shot wide again as Villa started the second half strong.
The momentum shifted when Arsenal appeared set to be awarded a penalty in the 54th minute for a foul on Saka, but after a review, VAR overturned the decision noting the foul occurred outside the box.
Martin Ødegaard’s subsequent free-kick missed by a narrow margin, yet Arsenal maintained their momentum.
Just two minutes later, the Gunners took the lead. Substitute Eberechi Eze set up Riccardo Calafiori, whose cross was put away effortlessly by Saka.
Villa initially struggled to respond but gradually found their rhythm again as they pushed for an equalizer.
Debutant Jackson set up McGinn, but the Scotland international couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity, and Matty Cash’s follow-up was blocked.
Villa requested a penalty shortly after when Maatsen went down in the box, but Gillett waved play on without VAR intervention.
As Villa committed players forward, they left themselves vulnerable to counters, with Havertz taking a shot that went straight to debuting goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
Despite Villa’s aggressive attacking attempts, Mikel Arteta’s side effectively managed the game to secure the win, concluding the match without allowing a single shot on target from the hosts.
Report contributed by PA.