Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey scored second-half goals to guide Arsenal to a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park.
After scoring in an opening-day win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bukayo Saka went close to finding the net against another team from the Midlands, with his early left-foot strike forcing Emiliano Martinez to make a strong save to his right.
While Saka may have gone close, it was the hosts who created the best chance of the first period, with Villa working the ball to Ollie Watkins, but the England international could only drag his effort wide from a glorious position.
Watkins experienced more frustration in the 54th minute when he looked set to head home a rebound, only to see David Raya pull off a world-class save to keep the two sides on level terms.
Raya’s impressive stop ultimately proved crucial as Trossard went on to score the game’s opening goal just two minutes after arriving on the pitch.
Saka carved out the opportunity, linking up with Martin Odegaard before his cutback eventually its way to Trossard, who drove a low shot past a despairing Martinez to give the visitor a precious lead.
Arsenal required just another 10 minutes to double their advantage, with Partey firing the ball through the grasp of an outstretched Martinez.
The Gunners ultimately saw out the remainder of the contest to secure a precious win over a Villa team they had lost to on two occasions last season.
Watkins pounces on a rebound after Raya tips Amadou Onana’s deflected strike onto the crossbar. The Villa forward looks destined to head his side into the lead, only to see his effort kept out by Raya’s sublime reaction save.
Trossard goal vs. Aston Villa (67th min, Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal)
Trossard scores with his first touch. Saka’s cut-back eventually breaks to the substitute, who provides a clinical first-time finish to break the deadlock at Vill Park.
Partey goal vs. Aston Villa (77th min, Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal)
Trossard’s low drive across goal reaches Saka at the far post. The England international retains possession and remains patient before picking the right moment to tee up Thomas Partey, whose first-time strike squeezes past Martinez.
MAN OF THE MATCH – BUKAYO SAKA
Saka was unfortunate not to score his second goal of the season when he saw his first-half strike denied by a super Martinez save.
While he could not get on the scoresheet, the Arsenal winger ultimately played a key role in both of the visitors’ goals at Villa Park.
His cutback ultimately led to Trossard’s opener, before he provided the assist for Partey to score the all-important second goal.
ASTON VILLA VS. ARSENAL MATCH STATS
Possession: Aston Villa 40%-60% Arsenal
Shots: Aston Villa 11-9 Arsenal
Shots on target: Aston Villa 3-4 Arsenal
Corners: Aston Villa 4-1 Arsenal
Fouls: Aston Villa 8-15 Arsenal
BEST STATS
After recording a second straight victory, Arsenal will look to maintain their 100% record when they play host to Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend.
As for Villa, they will attempt to produce a positive response in a Premier League away fixture against newly-promoted Leicester City.
