*Saka Strikes Again: Arsenal Grind Past Villa 1-0 To Join Early Leaders*

*Gunners stay perfect as Arteta claims 151st league win*

Bukayo Saka delivered when Arsenal needed him most. The England winger’s 59th-minute finish was enough to break a stubborn Aston Villa and send the Gunners to a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the Emirates on Monday night.

The win keeps Arsenal perfect after two games, moving them onto 6 points — level with Manchester City, Chelsea and surprise package Hull City at the top of the early Premier League table.

—SAKA BREAKS THE DEADLOCK—

Arsenal dominated possession but Villa’s low block frustrated them for nearly an hour.

The breakthrough finally came in the 59th minute. New signing Eberechi Eze threaded a brilliant pass to Riccardo Calafiori down the left. The Italian full-back drove to the byline and whipped in a low cross that Saka met first-time, burying it past the Villa goalkeeper.

It was Saka’s moment of quality in an otherwise cagey contest — and it proved decisive.

—A MASSIVE WIN’ — ARTETA—

Manager Mikel Arteta was delighted with the grit his side showed.

“I am really happy. This was a massive win. I think we deserved it. It was a great squad performance. I know how tough it is to win here,” Arteta said.

The result was also a personal milestone for the Spaniard — his 151st Premier League win in 250 games in charge of Arsenal.

—EMERY: ‘WE ARE REBUILDING’—

For Unai Emery, it was a night of positives despite defeat. Villa are in transition after losing key first-team players in the summer.

“We competed well against the team that is favourite to win the title,” Emery said.

“We are rebuilding but there were a lot of positive things. We did not make clear chances but we did not concede clear chances.”

—WHAT’S NEXT—

Arsenal’s defence, yet to concede this season, faces its biggest test yet when —Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea— visit on Sunday in a potential early title six-pointer.

Aston Villa will look to get off the mark when they travel to Hull City on Saturday.

Result: Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa .

Goal: Saka 59’

Key Moment: Eze → Calafiori → Saka