Saka guides Arsenal to an away win against Aston Villa
By Lutta Njomo, September 1, 2026England international Bukayo Saka’s second-half effort was enough to catapult Arsenal to a decisive victory against arch-rivals Aston Villa at Villa Park on Monday, August 31, 2026.
Saka slotted home just shy of the hour mark after Eberechi Eze found Riccardo Calafiori, who squared it to the talented winger to net his second goal of the 2026/27 EPL campaign.
Villa started the onslaught
Aston Villa started the match brightly and almost broke the deadlock in the first half through Emiliano Buendia, who rattled his effort off the woodwork.
Arsenal also threatened as Villa’s new keeper Zion Suzuki was called to action by the Gunners’ trademark corners as Declan Rice’s inswinger went over the head of the Japanese stopper and found the head of Gabriel.
The Brazilian defender, comfortably clear of all other players, was not able to direct his effort on target, almost hitting the corner flag instead.
Arsenal grew into the game, but they struggled to carve out clear chances and were hindered by the offside flag on several occasions while Villa continued to be a source of trouble at the other end of the pitch. However, neither side could find the breakthrough before half-time.
Second half action
Arteta opted to make a change to his side after the restart, bringing Eberechi Eze on for Christos Tzolis, who had significantly underperformed on the left wing.
The Gunners thought they had been awarded a penalty 10 minutes into the second half when Declan Rice played Bukayo Saka through only for him to be brought down as he darted into the box. However, the foul was deemed to have happened outside the area, and a free kick was given.
With 20 minutes to go, Mikel Arteta brought on two midfielders to help add more control to the game as Mikel Merino and Bruno Guimaraes, making his Premier League debut for the Gunners, entered the pitch.
The pair helped control the ball and almost fashioned two chances. A well-worked breakaway led to Havertz having a go from range, which was spilt by Suzuki, but nobody could follow up.
Bruno then slipped through Havertz, who forced a good save from the Aston Villa number 1 before eventually being flagged for offside.
Aston Villa also made several changes, but Unai Emery’s new boys were not on the same wave length thus failed to disturb David Raya. The win moved Arsenal joint top of the log alongside Manchester City while Aston Villa are still waiting for a win in the new campaign.
Next, Arsenal welcome Chelsea at the Emirates.