Saka makes the diference as Arsenal down Villa to maintain winning start

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Arsenal defeated Aston Villa 1-0, maintaining their winning start to the Premier League on Monday. Bukayo Saka’s goal in the 59th minute proved decisive in the hard-fought victory. This win keeps Arsenal top of the table, along with four other teams, both having six points from their two games. Aston Villa, on the other hand, remains winless and now has no shots on target.

Many of Villa’s players from their Europa Cup win in May have since departed, leaving coach Unai Emery with a challenging task of rebuilding the team. Two of his recent signings, Nicolas Jackson and Zion Suzuki, played in the match against Arsenal. Jackson took the striker’s position, while Suzuki replaced goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, becoming the first Japanese goalkeeper to play in the Premier League. Arsenal dominated the match, with few clear cut opportunities for Villa.