Bukayo Saka scored the only goal as Premier League champions Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa to make it two wins from two league matches.
The England international converted Riccardo Calafiori’s cutback into a near-empty net, with the goal coming from Arsenal’s first shot on target.
Villa had the best opportunity of the first half when Emiliano Buendia struck the crossbar from distance, although the goal would likely have been ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
Arsenal were awarded a penalty shortly before their goal after Ian Maatsen fouled Saka. However, a VAR review showed the incident occurred outside the penalty area, resulting in the penalty being overturned and a free-kick awarded instead.
Saka eventually broke the deadlock after half-time substitute Eberechi Eze found Calafiori, who delivered the ball across the box for the winger to finish.
Kai Havertz later forced a save from Villa debutant goalkeeper Zion Suzuki as Arsenal searched for a second goal.
Villa introduced summer signings Nicolas Jackson, Alejandro Garnacho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, while Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa made his second-half debut against his former club and received a warm reception from the home supporters.
Arsenal moved to six points from their opening two matches, while Villa suffered their second consecutive defeat after also losing 4-0 to Brighton on the opening day.
Villa struggled to create chances and failed to register a shot on target. It was their first such failure in a home Premier League match since May 2016.
Unai Emery is rebuilding his squad after losing much of the core of the team that won the Europa League last season. New goalkeeper Suzuki made several saves, while Jackson struggled to make an impact due to a lack of service.
Arsenal also suffered injury concerns as Cristhian Mosquera was replaced by Konsa, while Declan Rice limped off late in the match.
