Arsenal are also still interested in signing Atletico Madrid and Argentina forward Julian Alvarez and are actively working to make a potential move to north London easier for the 26-year-old and his entourage. (Teamtalk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Emlyn Begley
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal were never likely to have it as easy as they did in the 3-0 opening-day win over Coventry City, but they did more than enough to merit the three points here.
Shots and clear chances were at a premium - they only had two shots on target, which was two more than Villa.
Gabriel Magalhaes and Bukayo Saka had efforts off target in the first half.
They thought they were going to have a penalty when Saka was fouled by Ian Maatsen – but VAR made it a free-kick instead, which Martin Odegaard curled just wide.
The goal came when Eberechi Eze, a half-time substitute for the booked Christos Tzolis, fed Riccardo Calafiori and the left-back laid the ball on a plate for Saka to score for the third time at Villa Park in his Premier League career.
One negative for Arsenal was a second-half injury for Cristhian Mosquera, who was replaced by £55m centre-back Konsa.
The 28-year-old Konsa became the first player to make his debut for Arsenal against the team they signed him from since Petr Cech against Chelsea in August 2015.
Declan Rice also limped off late on, but it was not immediately clear whether that was going to be an issue.
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Arsenal starting XI
David Raya: A reliable display from Raya. A good range of passing. 6
Ben White: He didn't produce his usual overlapping runs as much but helped the Arsenal back four keep a clean sheet. 6
Cristhian Mosquera: The 22-year-old produced a solid performance next to the more experienced Gabriel. Had to come off with an injury in the second half. 6
Gabriel Magalhaes: A chance early on from an Arsenal corner which he headed over. The Brazilian led the Arsenal back four as they picked up three points. 7
Riccardo Calafiori: Picked up his usual adventurous positions when Arsenal were going forward and provided the assist for Saka's goal. 8
Declan Rice: Assured in the middle of the pitch and covered a lot of ground. Some important interceptions and threatening set-pieces too. 6
Myles Lewis-Skelly: Continued his excellent start-of-season form. Comfortable when under pressure and played with a lot of responsibility. 7
Martin Odegaard: A couple of nice passes in the first half but not enough impact going forward. Went close with a free kick in the second half. 6
Bukayo Saka: The winger scored the vital goal for Arsenal. The Gunners were not at their best going forward but most of the good moments involved Saka. 8
Christos Tzolis: A disappointing night for the winger who worked hard but lacked quality when going forward. Taken off at half time. 4
Kai Havertz: It was a quieter night for Havertz but the forward still provided a focal point and held the ball up. 6
Subs
Eberechi Eze (on 46, Tzolis): Introduced at half time and played a big part in Saka's goal. 7
Merino (on 71, Odegaard): Added bite into the Arsenal midfield. 6
Bruno Guimaraes (on 71, Lewis-Skelly): Came on for his Premier League debut. 6
Ezri Konsa (on 78, Mosquera): Made his first appearance for his new club. 6
Martin Zubimendi (on 85, Rice): Came on for Rice as Arsenal looked to see out the game. 5
Subs not used: Kepa, Hincapie, Gyokeres, Madueke.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta speaking to Match of the Day: "This is a really difficult place to come and win the game. Last season we lost in the last kick of the game. They were hurt after what happened last week. It was a great squad performance tonight."
On if this is his best team in terms of strength in depth: "That is what we need. The players that come in make the difference. All of them contributed to create more dominance and more momentum.
"The level of focus and the way they want to contribute to the team, that is going to be decisive in the season."
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, speaking to Sky Sports: "Very, very tough game. It's not easy coming here, they made it hard for us. It feels even better to come out with the win.
"The way they defend, really compact and with a high line, they caught us offside. We had to adapt to that. Different from what we faced last week, we weren't able to implement our attacking pattern.
"One goal is normally enough for us because we are so solid at the back. When we got the first one, it actually opened the game up. We wanted to push for the second one.
"All the full-backs, the way they play gives us a lot. For us wingers, it opens up the game for us, we've always got composure in the box.
"We weren't at our highest level with the ball. Without it, we were incredible. As soon as we lost it, we were running back. We knew that they liked to play in transition.
"All the boys put in a shift tonight. It helps with a clean sheet."
Did you know?
Saka scored in consecutive Premier League appearances for the first time since November 2024, with all three of his goals in the competition against Villa coming at Villa Park.
Arsenal have now started their Premier League season with two wins in a row for the seventh time in the last eight seasons, including the last five in a row.
Calafiori's touch map against Aston Villa
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, speaking to Sky Sports after Arsenal's 1-0 win at Aston Villa:
"What Arsenal do have is great organisation behind the ball, which lets their full-backs be so adventurous.
"The way Mikel Arteta deals with them and the license he gives them is so good. The constant rotation of movement is something that we don't see any other team in the league do.
"It feels like Riccardo Calafiori is the best left-back in the league at the moment. He's absolutely fantastic."
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Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Aston Villa's performance
What did you make of Arsenal's display?
Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Tuesday for a selection of your replies.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked you what transfer business Arsenal need to complete before Tuesday's 23:00 BST deadline.
Here are some of your views:
Gabriel: Everybody is saying Julian Alvarez, but what about our current strikers that carried us to the title? Wait for a better striker than Alvarez. Maybe Junior Kroupi in January and go for a left winger right now, no hesitation.
Lara: I think we have done excellent business so far, but to cap it off, assuming we sell Gabriel Martinelli, we should look for an upgrade on the left. While a top striker is fabulous, I believe Viktor Gyokores and Kai Havertz are already very good and both could improve, so if we are to replace Gabriel Jesus, a youngster would be great, maybe Nicolo Tresoldi. I would like us to keep Ethan Nwaneri, even if it means another loan, but selling could be a mistake.
Harry: A proven goalscorer is still essential. Alvarez is the obvious choice, but he has shown no interest in joining us at the Emirates. Igor Paxiou at Marseille might come, but I'm not sure that he's ready for the Premier League.
Rachel: I don't know the answer to the striker question. What I do know is that I don't want Julian Alvarez if he doesn't want to come to Arsenal. I'm sure I'm not the only fan who prefers players who want to give their all for this club. We don't want to be someone's second choice!
Gabriella: Selling a loyal, consistent, wide player for a striker that doesn't want to play for us is a disaster and could start cracks in the squad atmosphere. I think it's harsh the way we are forcing him out - we will be short on left and have too many strikers. Say no to Alvarez. If Martinelli leaves, there needs to be a wide player to come in.
Allan: What we absolutely must not do is sell Myles Lewis-Skelly to anyone, let alone a Premier League rival!
Arsenal have been offered Lyon attacker Malick Fofana with the Premier League side actively looking for a new forward ahead of Tuesday's deadline.
Having already signed Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa and Christos Tzolis, the Gunners want to sign another attacker before the window closes.
And the club have been offered Fofana by intermediaries with the merits of the deal have been discussed internally at the Emirates.
However, it is understood there is not universal backing at Arsenal with regards to a move for Fofana so it now remains to be seen whether the Gunners move ahead with a move for the Belgian.
Internally, Arsenal are happy with their squad – particularly with the additions of Guimaraes, Konsa and Tzolis.
And having won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final, there is a belief at Arsenal that strengthening the squad this summer wouldn't be straight forward.
The decision to target Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez were made because the trio were viewed as elite talents that would strengthen the first-team as well as the squad in general.
Arsenal still want to sign Alvarez, but the Atletico Madrid striker has shown little indication so far of being willing to join the Gunners.
Nevertheless, while Arsenal are happy with their squad they remain open to new signings heading into deadline day provided any deals add quality to the squad.
Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesJulian Alvarez's potential move to Arsenal could be the biggest deal to watch before Tuesday's 23:00 BST transfer deadline, with the Atletico Madrid striker's future now hanging in the balance.
The 26-year-old is caught between his desire to leave Atletico and the club's refusal to sell him to Barcelona. But they would do a deal with Arsenal.
The Gunners have had a long-term interest in Alvarez and have been monitoring the dramatic situation, with Atleti looking for a fee of 150m euros (£128m).
Alvarez has missed multiple training sessions and did not travel to face Sevilla on Saturday, with Simeone saying he wasn't well enough.
Simeone, meanwhile, has attempted to keep the door open, saying he will "do everything" he can to make Alvarez feel important when he returns to training.
There's only one winner with this.
Aston Villa had a slow start last season, they have lost big players and I just think Arsenal are going to run all over teams this season.
Physically, they will be too strong and they played some good stuff against Coventry. I think they are going to get better and better, which is ominous for everybody else.
I wouldn't totally rule Unai Emery and Villa out of it because you just don't know. They're very principled in the way they play, probably the most principled team in the Premier League in the way that they build from the back.
But I think Arsenal will swarm all over them.
Sutton's prediction: 0-2
Matthew Hobbs
Aston Villa aim to bounce back from an opening defeat to Brighton against an Arsenal side attempting to open with an away win for a fifth successive season.
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes ahead of their meeting at Villa Park on Monday (20:00 BST).
Aston Villa and Arsenal experienced vastly different fortunes in their respective opening fixtures, with Unai Emery attempting to lead his side's recovery from a 4-0 thrashing at Brighton against his former employers.
Emery's Arsenal tenure lasted just 18 months before he was sacked following a winless run of seven matches. His career has since gone from strength to strength, winning the Europa League with both Villarreal and then Villa last season for the fifth time in his career, while he also guided the Midlands club to fourth place and a return to Champions League football in 2025-26.
However, Villa's poor start to the campaign on the south coast last weekend was indicative of a club in a state of flux following the departure of four key players, including Ezri Konsa to the Gunners. Striker Ollie Watkins is also set to leave, with Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson expected to replace him.
Villa have already made eight new signings with a focus on younger talent, although such significant recruitment is likely to take time to settle, as evidenced by conceding four goals last weekend in the opening half an hour.
They also failed to have a shot on target in a Premier League game for the first time under Emery, while setting record-low tallies of possession (27%) and recovering possession (17) during the 54-year-old's tenure.
Aston Villa had an opening day to forget at Brighton last weekend
Villa have not lost their opening two league games since 2019. The last time they did so without scoring was 24 years ago.
They next face the reigning champions, who got off to a fast start of their own against newly promoted Coventry City last Friday night, going 2-0 up in 23 minutes before adding a third in the second half.
It was Arsenal's 150th victory in the Premier League under Mikel Arteta, who, on Monday night, will become just the 10th manager to take charge of 250 Premier League fixtures.
Of the previous nine, only Pep Guardiola (70.8%), Alex Ferguson (65.2%) and Jürgen Klopp (62.6%) have a higher win rate than Arteta's 60%.
Mikel Arteta takes charge of his 250th Premier League game with Arsenal on Monday
Arsenal have won their first away game in each of the last four Premier League seasons, keeping a clean sheet on each occasion.
They have never won their opening away match in five successive league campaigns before, although Villa Park has proved to be a tough nut to crack in recent times.
Arsenal have lost on three of their past seven visits – the same number of defeats as in their previous 24 away matches against Villa.
Flora Snelson
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal defender Marli Salmon has signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday.
Salmon made his first-team debut in a Champions League game against Club Brugge in December, then got his first start in the Gunners' FA Cup win over Mansfield.
He was an attacker when he joined Arsenal's academy in 2019 but has moved into defence, primarily at centre-back, although he has been playing at right-back at senior level while he adjusts to the game's physicality.
"It means a lot to me," Salmon said after signing his contract.
"A lot of hard work went into this, a lot of ups and downs, but I'm so proud.
"I think it's a proud moment for my family as well, I think it's a reward for them as well, because they put so much time and effort into me. It's proof of their hard work as much as mine."
Salmon was one of six youngsters who made their first-team debut in Arsenal's Premier League title-winning season.
"It's a long season, so there's so many things that change and happen, but really keeping that level over that period of time, it takes a lot," he said.
"It's a lot of little things that push you to be a champion."
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal have completed the signing of striker Igor Tyjon from Blackburn.
The 18 year-old made three senior appearances at Blackburn, making his debut when he was 16.
He has experience with both the England and Poland international youth set-ups.
"It feels amazing," Tyjon said. "I've waited a long time for this and I can't wait to get started.
"The pathway, the staff, the players, everything about it, it's just top. I'm excited to meet the group, meet the players, hit the ground running and have a good season.
"I know a couple of the [Arsenal] boys from international duties. I know Jack Porter, Eli [Elijah Upson], Theo [Julienne], Max [Dowman] and I know a couple of the staff as well, so it's good to link up."
Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesBukayo Saka's performance in Arsenal's impressive opening-day win over Coventry has already convinced some fans the Gunners are going to successfully defend their Premier League crown.
The 24-year-old's game time for the north London outfit was managed at the end of last season, as well as with England at the World Cup, because of an Achilles injury he picked up in March.
Saka returned from the World Cup and, after a break, rejoined the Arsenal squad, playing his first minutes of this season in the Community Shield, coming on when the Gunners were already leading Manchester City 3-0.
His acceleration and sharpness during that cameo was something that was lacking towards the end of last season as the winger looked to help his team get over the line.
And after his starring performance in the first Premier League game of the season, he hinted that after low minutes at the World Cup and a summer break he felt back to his best.
"I was training a lot so I could be ready for the start of the season and ready to help the team in the way I know I can," Saka said after the win.
"It was more about balancing my time off and not having too much of a break. I took seven days off and then started to train again.
"I've put in a lot of work since then and I'm feeling good. I just tried to come back in good shape, so I'm on top of my body."
Another part of why Saka looks like he is in a flow state so early in the season is the return of Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Ben White to full fitness.
There is no debate that White and Saka's partnership down the right-hand side, with the defender's overlapping runs, unlock the best in Saka.
The partnership he has with Odegaard and Havertz is also crucial to a fluid Arsenal attack and the win over Coventry was just the second time since December 2024 that the trio started a Premier League game together, such have been their injury problems.
Atletico Madrid are considering signing forward Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal will take on Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
Arsenal will have some big matches to navigate in the league phase of the Champions League if they are to be as dominant as they were last season.
The Gunners will face Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, a team they played in pre-season, at home and travel to play Bayern Munich away during this stage of the competition.
Arsenal had a 100% record in last season's league phase but will have to beat three of the most recognisable sides in the tournament to repeat that this time.
The rest of the fixtures for Arsenal, although tough, will see Mikel Arteta's side go into them as favourites.
The Gunners lost to Real Betis in pre-season without their full squad so will hope to make up for that when they face the Spaniards in Seville.
Arsenal also take on Lille and Champions League newcomers Sabah at home and play Napoli and Slavia Prague away.
