Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season after edging past Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park on Monday night.
Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal shortly after half-time, securing a second consecutive league victory for the reigning champions.
Villa made the brighter start and created the better opportunities during the opening stages.
Matty Cash and John McGinn both found promising positions, although neither could test Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Arsenal gradually grew into the contest, with Cristhian Mosquera coming close when he headed wide from a corner after Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki failed to deal with the delivery.
The hosts then came closest to breaking the deadlock when Emiliano Buendia struck the crossbar with a powerful effort from outside the area.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta introduced Eberechi Eze for Christos Tzolis at half-time, and the visitors returned with greater attacking intent.
The Gunners were briefly awarded a penalty after Ian Maatsen was adjudged to have fouled Saka, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review after replays showed the contact had occurred outside the box.
Saka eventually found the breakthrough in the 60th minute.
Eze released Riccardo Calafiori inside the area, and the Italian defender delivered a low cross that Saka met to poke the ball beyond Suzuki.
The goal was Saka’s second in as many Premier League matches this season and gave Arsenal a lead they refused to surrender.
Kai Havertz had an opportunity to double the advantage later in the match but was denied by Suzuki after being played through by Bruno Guimaraes.
Villa continued to push for an equaliser, but Arsenal’s defence remained disciplined and restricted the hosts to limited clear-cut chances.
Arsenal were dealt a late concern when Declan Rice was forced off with an injury, with Martin Zubimendi coming on in his place.
Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa also made their Premier League debuts for Arsenal as Arteta’s side held on for all three points.
The victory gives Arsenal two wins from two matches as they begin their title defence in perfect fashion.
The Gunners will next face Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, while Aston Villa travel to Hull City in search of their first points of the campaign.
