Arsenal edge past Aston Villa thanks to Bukayo Saka winner

By Jonathan Veal, Press Association

Bukayo Saka’s second-half strike gave Arsenal an edgy 1-0 victory at Aston Villa.

The England international converted from close range just before the hour as the defending Premier League champions made it two wins from two in the new campaign.

This was far from a vintage display, but the Gunners ground out the win in familiar fashion.

It was a second successive loss for Aston Villa, who are in a period of transition following a tumultuous summer which has seen a host of big-name players sold, including Ezri Konsa who received a mixed reception on his Villa Park return.

There have been arrivals as well, with striker Nicolas Jackson making his debut, and despite the loss there were positive signs.

It could have been a different story had Emiliano Buendia’s effort gone in instead of crashing into the crossbar, while they could not force a leveller despite late pressure.