Bukayo Saka’s second-half goal earned Premier League champions Arsenal a narrow victory at Aston Villa, who fell to a second consecutive defeat to start the season despite an improved performance from Unai Emery’s new-look side.
Saka converted Riccardo Calafiori’s low cross as the Gunners clicked into life in attack after the break, with substitute Eberechi Eze involved in the goal after Mikel Arteta brought off Christos Tzolis at half time.
The hosts could not break Arsenal’s defence down, as Ezri Konsa made his debut for the champions following his move from Villa earlier this month, but Villa’s performance was much improved from the disastrous 4-0 defeat at Brighton last week.
Declan Rice appeared to limp off late on in the only other note of concern for Arsenal, who host London rivals Chelsea next week in an early meeting of two sides on maximum points on the third weekend of the season.
Arteta will turn his attention back to the transfer market after seeing his side make it two wins out of two with a 1-0 Premier League success at Aston Villa. Arteta is keen to add some attacking depth, with the Gunners linked with a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
Follow all the action from Aston Villa vs Arsenal with our live blog below:
Read MoreHow Riccardo Calafiori provided Arsenal’s spark in statement win at Aston Villa
Arsenal sweat double injury blow as Declan Rice limps off at Aston Villa
Arsenal consider deadline day move for long-standing transfer target
Aston Villa v Arsenal
- REPORT: How Riccardo Calafiori provided Arsenal’s spark in statement win at Aston Villa
- Arsenal beat Aston Villa to record second win of Premier League title defence
- Saka’s goal proves the difference but new-look Villa produce improved display
- Declan Rice limps off in injury concern before Chelsea showdown next week
- 60' GOAL! Saka breaks deadlock as Gunners find attacking spark [VIL 0-1 ARS]
- Mikel Arteta expects Arsenal to be active on transfer deadline day
How Riccardo Calafiori provided Arsenal’s spark in statement win at Aston Villa
22:23 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkMikel Arteta’s inventiveness with full-backs helped the champions open up Unai Emery’s team and start their title defence with consecutive wins.
How Riccardo Calafiori provided Arsenal’s spark in statement win at Aston Villa
Calafiori is the best left-back in the league
23:21 , Mike JonesHere are some thoughts from Jamie Carragher who’s been speaking on Monday Night Football for Sky Sports.
Carragher was full of praise for Arsenal’s left-back Riccardo Calafiori.
He said: “What Arsenal do have is great organisation behind the ball, which lets their full-backs be so adventurous.
“The way 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 Calafiori is the best left-back in the league at the moment. He's absolutely fantastic.”
Will there be incomings for Arsenal on deadline day?
23:14 , Mike JonesA final word from Mikel Arteta who was asked what business could be done on deadline day for Arsenal.
Arteta said: “I said, we are trying to improve the squad, and until tomorrow night we’re going to try to do that.
“I’ve been disconnected from the world for 24 hours because I think my energy and focus has to be on the match.“I will get back on it now.
“We know that the depth has to be really big when you are fighting for four competitions in the manner that we play as well.
“So we’re going to try to do that.”
Vital impact of substitutes
23:07 , Mike JonesEbere Eze came off the bench to set up the only goal of the game with his pass to Riccardo Calafiori while Ezri Konsa made a vital contribution after replacing Cristhian Mosquera.
Mikel Arteta spoke about both players.
He said: "Ebs creates the action that wins us the game.
“Ezri, as well, really composed and really calm with every decision he made. I'm really happy with all of them."
Arsenal sweat double injury blow as Declan Rice limps off at Aston Villa
23:00 , Mike JonesCristhian Mosquera also came off after picking up what appeared to be a muscular problem.
Arsenal sweat double injury blow as Declan Rice limps off at Aston Villa
'I trust my players'
22:53 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta was asked in his post match interview whether seeing his team win the Premier League had increased the trust that his players can get through tricky matches like the one they had against Villa tonight.
"I always trust my players,” Arteta explained.
“The level depends on the moment as well. Last year, we lost here in a really difficult way. That was still in the tummy.
"Last year was the same, we know how difficult it is to earn points in this league."
Reaction from Mikel Arteta
22:47 , Mike JonesThe Arsenal boss said: "Really happy, it's a massive win.
“It's a tough place to come and earn three points. I think we deserved it. We had a great performance.
“With 11, it wasn't enough, the finishers came in and did a magnificent job to finish the game and win it. I know how tough it is to win here.
“Every big team has struggled against them because they are so good.”
Arsenal's winning streak
22:41 , Mike JonesArsenal have won their last seven games in the Premier League.
Their last longer winning streak was from 20 April 2024 to 24 August 2024, a run of eight games.
Arsenal defeat Aston Villa
22:35 , Mike Jones
Next up for Arsenal
22:28 , Mike JonesArsenal’s next fixture is against London rivals Chelsea on Sunday.
Chelsea have been a chaotic but successful mess across their two opening league games.
They have an incredible forward line who will score goals but they are also vulnerable at the back.
It could play into Arsenal’s hands nicely unless the Gunners go behind and then who knows what will happen?
Neither team has dropped points yet so it’s a big clash early in the season.
Arsenal up to second
22:24 , Mike JonesIn terms of the league table there are four teams on a perfect six points from six after the first two matches.
Manchester City sit top of the table with a goal difference of +4.
Arsenal are second with the same goal difference.
Hull City sit third with a goal difference of +3 and Chelsea are fourth with a goal difference of +2.
A welcome run for Arsenal
22:20 , Mike JonesArsenal have scored in their last 18 games in the Premier League.
This is their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of 20 games from 18 August 2018 to 1 January 2019.
'Arteta will be happy'
22:16 , Mike JonesHere’s some thoughts from Gary Neville.
The Sky Sports pundit says that Mikel Arteta will be pleased with the performance.
“Aston Villa are just building after losing a lot of players,” Neville explained.
“For Arsenal, that is a statement win, where you just restrict the other team from having any shots on goal. Patient, present, mature. They were just in control.
“Arteta will be happy because his team is consistent.”
Arsenal improved in second half
22:12 , Mike JonesWith the game being pretty dull at half-time both teams improved in the second half.
Aston Villa mustered another four attempts but still didn’t find the target.
Arsenal in contrast only had three attempts in the secon half but two of those were on target and one of them went in.
Their xG was 1.05 which is confirmed by the 1-0 victory.
Not the best game for neutrals for Arsenal will take the points against a fellow Champions League side.
The definition of a hard-fought victory
22:08 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkThat's the definition of a hard-fought win. It may not live long in the memory but Arsenal have improved on last season in one respect - they lost at Villa Park then and they take the three points now.”
A cause for concern?
22:05 , Mike JonesPerhaps one cause for concern for Mikel Arteta is the fact that Declan Rice limped off the pitch in the second half when being replaced by Martin Zubimendi.
Rice was seen celebrating with the team after the match and he was hobbling round but it doesn’t look like he’s picked up a serious injury.
When a clash against Chelsea on the horizon, Arteta will not want to lose one of his most influential midfielders.
Arsenal beat Aston Villa at Villa Park
21:58 , Mike JonesArsenal maintained their winning start to the 2026/27 Premier League season as they saw off Aston Villa 1-0 away from home to claim a crucial three points.
The Gunners are aiming to defend their title this season and with possible rivals Man City and Chelsea winning at the weekend Mikel Arteta’s team needed to respond.
And they did courtesy of a Bukayo Saka goal which ensured Arsenal clinched victory in a tight outing at Villa Park. Neither side was particularly threatening in a match without much quality but Riccardo Calafiori and Ebere Eze provided the inspiration that the Gunners required.
Eze weaved into the box and picked out Calafiori. The attacking defender then pulled back, and Saka finished off the move. Ezri Konsa made his return to Villa Park and received a warm welcome on his Arsenal debut while Bruno Guimaraes showed glimpses of what he will bring to Arteta’s side.
Full-time! Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
21:57 , Mike Jones90+8 mins: There goes the final whistle.
The match is over at Villa Park with Arsenal emerging as the victors.
Bukayo Saka’s goal was the difference and more than enough to maintain the Gunners’ winning start to the season.
Aston Villa lose again but Unai Emery will be more pleased by the performance they put in against the champions.
All the reaction to come as Arsenal outdo Villa in the Premier League.
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
21:53 , Mike Jones90+4 mins: Half of the added time has been played and still no joy for Villa.
They’re now booting it long and trying to get Tammy Abraham into the game.
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
21:48 , Mike Jones90 mins: 8 minutes of added time to play!
That seems like quite a lot but Villa will take it. Can they get themselves an equaliser?
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
21:45 , Mike Jones87 mins: It’s game management time from Arsenal.
Slowing things down, taking their time with restarts. Winning free kicks and keeping possession.
Aston Villa can’t get on the ball.
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
21:43 , Mike Jones84 mins: Guimaraes picks out Saka’s run into the box once more.
It doesn’t lead to anything other than a corner but it’s a direct and cutting pass from their new midfielder.
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
21:39 , Mike Jones81 mins: Into the last 10 minutes of the game.
John McGinn’s name is sung by the home fans as he throws himself into a heavy challenge.
Arsenal are marshalling this match though. A 1-0 win for them seems the most likely outcome from here.
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
21:36 , Mike Jones78 mins: Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alejandro Garnacho are being brought on by Unai Emery. Barkley and Cash head off.
But so to is Ezri Konsa for Arsenal.
Konsa makes his debut for the Gunners against his old club as Cristhian Mosquera has picked up a knock.
Konsa’s reception is a decent one. There are a few boos but the majority of Villa fans applaud him as he jogs onto the pitch.
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
21:33 , Mike Jones75 mins: Missed!
Bruno Guimaraes fires a quick pass through the lines and into the feet of Kai Havertz.
He carries the ball into the box and takes on Suzuki but his effort is kept out by Villa’s new goalkeeper!
A great save but Havertz was offside in the build up so it wouldn’t have counted even if he’d scored.
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
21:29 , Mike Jones72 mins: More changes from Arsenal.
Lewis-Skelly and Odegaard go off and on come Martin Zubimendi and Bruno Guimaraes.
For Villa, Tammy Abraham and Alysson are introduced with George Hemmings and Nicolas Jackson taken off.
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
21:25 , Mike Jones69 mins: Havertz goes down in the box after a challenge from Kamara and wants a penalty which he doesn’t get.
There’s more of a focus from Arsenal to pressure Villa now as the hosts commit forward to try and get this equaliser.
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
21:22 , Mike Jones65 mins: Villa push forward with Nicolas Jackson holding the ball up brilliantly on the edge of the box before slipping it across to McGinn.
He offloads a pass to Cash whose pass is blocked and cleared by the Gunners.
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
21:19 , Mike Jones62 mins: Harsh as it may sound but that could be curtains for Villa’s chances.
Arsenal are so difficult to break down and the champions will be confident of keeping a clean sheet.
All the impetus needs to come from Villa to score an equaliser.
GOAL! Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal (Bukayo Saka, 59')
21:18 , Mike JonesThere’s the opener!
It comes to Arsenal who have been patient and bided their time.
The ball comes out to Eze on the left side of the box and he flicks it across to Calafiori who sprints to the byline and pulls the ball back into the middle.
Stretching for it is Saka who pushes ahead of Maatsen and pokes the ball home.
Arsenal break the deadlock at Villa Park!
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
21:15 , Mike Jones57 mins: Close!
Martin Odegaard is the man on free kick duty. He whips it beautifully over the wall but there’s too mich curl on the shot and it swerves wide of the near post!
Suzuki was beaten but the ball lands on the wrong side of the side netting.
No penalty!
21:13 , Mike JonesAston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal win a free kick as Maatsen collided with Saka outside of the penalty area. That was clear by the replays.
What can Arsenal do with this free kick?
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
21:12 , Mike Jones54 mins: Arsenal are well organised and have repelled every attack from Villa so far.
They counter attack with Rice feeding the ball through to Saka.
He is tackled by Maatsen and goes down!
The referee points to the penalty spot but VAR are looking at this...
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
21:06 , Mike Jones48 mins: Villa have the first shot of the second half as the ball comes out to Maatsen on the left side of the penalty area.
He has a shy at goal but powers the ball over the crossbar.
Not a great effort in truth.
Second half! Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
21:03 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta has moved at the break and has replaced Christos Tzolis with Ebere Eze.
Villa get the ball rolling once again.
Will we see some goals in this half? Let’s hope so.
HT Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:58 , Mike JonesLet’s take a look at the stats. They don’t make for good reading in truth.
Arsenal had more possession 66% compared to Villa’s 34%.
The visitors also had more shouts (4) compared to the host’s three.
However neither team had a shot on target in the first 45 minutes and Arsenal’s xG of 0.34 is woeful yet better than Villa’s xG of 0.09.
HT Arsenal have lacked inspiration
20:54 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkA first half without shots on target, though Emi Buendia came very close.
“It was competitive and better from Villa, but Arsenal have lacked inspiration.”
HT Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:50 , Mike JonesIt’s been an intriguing contest at Villa Park but the match is missing a goal.
Whichever team gets the first one could go on to win the game.
The quality has been lacking but that could all change after the break.
Half-time! Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:46 , Mike Jones45+1 mins: The teams head into the break with nothing to separate them, ‘
Villa have done well but there’s not been a lot of quality in the final third.
All to play for in the second half.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:46 , Mike Jones45 mins: Just the one minute of added time to play before the end of the first half.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:42 , Mike Jones42 mins: Martin Odegaard floats a nice cross into the box as Calafiori darts between the centre-backs.
He’s given a nudge by Pau Torres and goes down looking for a penalty but doesn’t get one.
That disgruntles the Arsenal captain who enquiries as to why not.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:40 , Mike Jones39 mins: Tzolis is now on the end of a chorus of boos whenever he gets near the ball. The home fans have taken against him.
Arsenal maintain possession though and knock it around the back. They’re in no hurry to get forward.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:39 , Mike Jones36 mins: No shots on target from either team as of yet.
It’s cagey and not very aggressive. Except for the battle between Cash and Tzolis.
That is heating up nicely and the Villa defender is winning it. He fouls Tzolis and receives the praise of the Villa fans.
Arsenal win a free kick though.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:34 , Mike Jones33 mins: Villa are decent going forward. There’s plenty of space on their left and Hemmings is confident enough to hold up the ball.
He releases it to Buendia who crosses towards Barkley but the ball is too far in front of him and David Raya scoops it up.
Martinez replaced
20:32 , Richard JollyThe Villa fans have taken their old chant for Emi Martinez - "the world's No 1" - and sung it to Zion Suzuki.”
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:31 , Mike Jones30 mins: Half an hour played and neither team has wrestled control of the match.
The Gunners have a free kick over on their right wing.
Declan Rice delivers it but Maatsen is there to deal with it.
Matty Cash and Christos Tzolis then come together as the Arsenal winger attempts to bring the ball forward again. Cash wins the ball and is then fouled earning Tzolis a yellow card.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:27 , Mike Jones27 mins: Chance!
A swift move from Villa sees them switch the play from right to left with Ross Barkley feeding Ian Maatsen into space on the wing.
Maatsen darts into the box and lets fly but his effort isn’t great and he fires it wide of the far post.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:26 , Mike Jones24 mins: Saka takes on Torres and wins Arsenal a corner kick.
It’s slick and quick from the Gunners when passing.
Saka himself takes the set piece and whips the ball into the area. Declan Rice leaps to win the header and powers it at goal.
Zion Suzuki makes a fine reactionary save and tips the ball over the bar before the whistle goes to award Villa a free kick after Gabriel tugged down John McGinn in the build up to the corner.
This is better from Villa
20:24 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkThis is already a lot better from Villa after the horror show against Brighton.
“Although, arguably, anything else was always likely to be.”
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:23 , Mike Jones21 mins: Pau Torres blocks off a Ben White underlapping run and boots the ball off the Arsenal defender to win a throw in for the hosts.
Villa have been a lot better tonight. They look sharper and more focused.
Arsenal are still in first gear. They’ve not sparked into life but neither have they been challenged.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:20 , Mike Jones18 mins: Aston Villa win a corner and swing the ball into the box towards the near post.
Riccardo Calafiori is there to head the ball away but the hosts recycle it and Hemmings is the man to drive back into the left side of the area.
He doesn’t get far before losing possession but the youngster isn’t short of confidence.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:15 , Mike Jones15 mins: Quarter of an hour played and nothing to split the teams yet. Both have had moments of joy.
The most recent comes to Arsenal after Kai Havertz is slipped into the box by Martin Odegaard.
He’s got time to set himself and shoot but he curls the shot wide of the far post and is only saved by the offside flag being raised.
Most of Arsenal’s attacking intent is coming down their right side with Ben White and Bukayo Saka combining well to drive the champions forward.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:13 , Mike Jones12 mins: Crossbar!
Christos Tzolis is dragged off the ball as Villa come forward. It rolls loose to Buendia who decides to strike one from range.
David Raya is off his line and is caught off guard. The ball goes over his hand and dips onto the crossbar!
It bounds out of play but that’s a warning for Arsenal not to switch off. They’d almost stopped assuming Tzolis had been fouled.
Arsenal were admirers of Morgan Rogers
20:11 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkA subplot of this game is that Arsenal were among the admirers of Morgan Rogers.
“They didn't get him or Vinicius Junior so Christos Tzolis starts on the left.
“Villa have signed two Rogers replacements, in Alejandro Garnacho and Ibrahim Mbaye, but it is the youngster George Hemings who starts.”
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:10 , Mike Jones9 mins: There’s a bit of pressure put on Villa now.
First Myles Lewis-Skelly takes a shot from the edge of the box which is rebounded out for a corner.
Arsenal keep up the intensity once the set piece is dealt with and Bukayo Saka weaves into the right side of the penalty area but his cutback is hooked clear.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:07 , Mike Jones6 mins: It’s been a decent start for the home side. George Hemmings bullies Ben White off the ball and releases the ball to Buendia.
He lays it off to John McGinn who, encouraged by the home fans, shoots from range and curls an effort wide of the left hand post.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:03 , Mike Jones3 mins: Arsenal will want to maintain possession and look to break Villa down with slick passes and darting runs from wide.
Villa will be aiming to keep things tight and shore up the defence with memories of Brighton ripping through them still fresh in the mind.
Matty Cash gets forward on the right wing for Villa and the ball is scooped over to him. He drills a low pass into the area towards Emi Buendia but Gabriel is on hand to clear the danger.
Kick off! Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
20:01 , Mike JonesThere is a minute’s applause before kick off to remember former Villa goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer who passed away earlier this month.
Following the tribute, Arsenal get the ball rolling and send it out for a throw in on the right wing.
We’re underway.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
19:55 , Mike JonesRight then, the build-up is over and the players are making their way out onto the pitch.
Which Aston Villa will turn up tonight? Unai Emery’s Europa League champions or the team that slumped to defeat to Brighton last week?
We’re about to find out, kick off is up next...
Younger generation seem happy with Jackson
19:50 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkVilla's on-pitch announcer has interviewed three children and asked them who they are looking forward to seeing.
“Two replied Nicolas Jackson.
“It remains to be seen if they are so excited by him in a few months but for now the younger generation of Villa fans seem happy with his signing.”
Emery on maintaining 'special' Aston Villa
19:45 , Mike Jones“I want to keep some players like they were helping us to be successful, and how they were understanding everything we needed as mentally, and as players as well with their skills,” said Villa boss Unai Emery.
“But I accept because I have experiences before in the same situation, and when I arrived here, I knew where I was arriving.
“And everything we are doing is really being fantastic. I expect the same. To continue doing special and different ways, with different players, but always thinking it’s something special, and something positive.”
The best squad we have
19:40 , Mike JonesHere’s some thoughts from Mikel Arteta speaking about his Arsenal squad.
He said: “This is the best squad that we have, or we believe that we could have right now, and that’s it.
“That’s not the best squad that we’re going to have in a month’s time because hopefully the players will improve, the team will improve and we’ll be better.
Five in a row?
19:35 , Mike JonesArsenal have won their first away game in each of the last four Premier League seasons, also keeping a clean sheet each time.
The Gunners have never won their opening away game in five consecutive league campaigns before.
Arsenal’s Julian Alvarez gamble has paid off – with two cards still to play
19:30 , Miguel DelaneyArsenal’s patient approach could yet pay off amid Atletico Madrid’s explosive breakdown in relations with Barcelona - now, the Gunners must lean on sporting director Andrea Berta to smooth negotiations, and be prepared to send another attacker the other way.
Arsenal’s Julian Alvarez gamble has paid off – with two cards still to play
Emery on his task to rebuild Villa
19:25 , Mike JonesUnai Emery spoke about the tumultuous summer that Aston Villa have experienced and how they move forward from here.
“We must compete, we must win, we have to rebuild the team as fast as possible, we have to accept our way, our decisions, and why we are taking some decisions, but I am positive, and we are working,” he explained.
“At the same time, rebuilding the team with the players, they can understand how we want to play, and trying to understand some necessary time for some players to adapt to us.
“Of course, some players, they will need time more than others, and the players, they are with us for a long time. They must compete now, strong, and of course with all the ideas we were building, and trying to adapt the new players as fast as possible.”
Do Villa have an edge?
19:20 , Mike JonesAston Villa won at home against Manchester City in both 2023-24 and 2024-25, and beat Liverpool at Villa Park last season.
The last team to beat the reigning top-flight champions at home in more successive uninterrupted seasons were Luton Town, who did seven in a row between 1985-86 and 1991-92.
Villa vs the champions
19:15 , Mike JonesAston Villa have won their last three Premier League home games against the reigning champions, as many times as they had in their first 28.
Can they turn around a poor performance against Brighton and outfox the Gunners tonight?
Home away from home
19:10 , Mike JonesArsenal have won 15 Premier League games at Villa Park, more than they have at an other away venue in the competition.
Villa to spring a surprise?
19:05 , Mike JonesAston Villa have won four of their seven home games against Arsenal since their return to the Premier League in 2019.
That is more than they had in their first 24 against them at Villa Park in the competition (three wins, nine draws, 12 defeats).
Debuts at either end of the pitch
18:59 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkThere are debuts at either end of the pitch for Aston Villa with Zion Suzuki starting in goal and Nicolas Jackson up front.
“They have big shoes to fill as the replacements for Emi Martinez and Ollie Watkins.
“After Villa's summer of change, there are three more newcomers on the bench, though there is no Leon Goretzka, while Ibrahim Mbaye was signed too late to be registered and Taylor Harwood-Bellis has not yet joined.”
Villa Park renovation
18:57 , Mike JonesAston Villa are in the process of rebuilding Villa Park and expanding the stadium so that it can hold more supporters.
The North Stand is closed for the duration of the 2026/27 season and Villa Park has a temporary capacity of 37,000.
Once complete the renovation works will mean that the stadium can hold over 50,000 spectators and the upgrades are scheduled to be finished in time to host matches at Euro 2028.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal team changes
18:51 , Mike JonesUnai Emery hands out two debuts in the only changes to the Aston Villa line-up that was beaten by Brighton last time out.
Zion Suzuki starts in goal ahead of Marco Bizot and Nicolas Jackson leads the line. Emiliano Buendia drops into the No.10 role with Joao Gomes absent due to suspension.
For Arsenal, Mikel Arteta names an unchanged team to the one that defeated Coventry in their Premier League opener.
But, the big news for the Gunners is that Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes are named on the bench and could feature later in the game.
Arsenal line-up to take on Aston Villa
18:47 , Mike JonesArsenal XI: Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz
🟡 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🔵
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 31, 2026
Unchanged for Monday night football 🔐
🤝 Presented by @deel pic.twitter.com/ptvpKHDahn
Aston Villa line-up to face Arsenal
18:46 , Mike JonesAston Villa XI: Suzuki; Cash, P. Torres, Lindelof, Maatsen, Barkley, Kamara; McGinn, Buendia, Hemmings; Jackson
Double debuts 🤩
— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) August 31, 2026
Your Villa XI to face Arsenal this evening 👋 pic.twitter.com/Zue0ZTSJt9
Villa's incredible season
18:42 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta spoke about Aston Villa’s successful year last season which saw they win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League.
He said: "What Villa did last year and how they finished, it was an incredible season that they had.
“It’s just one game [the defeat to Brighton] and that’s it - I’m sure [Unai Emery] will turn it around."
Villa will need fans' support
18:36 , Mike JonesUnai Emery said that his team will need the support of the Aston Villa home fans when they take on Arsenal tonight.
That is especially relevant after Villa’s loss to Brighton last week.
Emery said: "We have lost the first match with those three points, and Monday, hopefully, Villa Park is being like we always felt there – supporting, playing with us, and we will need them again."
Worst start in Premier League history? Aston Villa collapse against Brighton after summer of upheaval
18:30 , Jamie BraidwoodThere were empty seats in the Villa end after they went into half-time down to 10 men as Unai Emery’s side started the season in calamitous fashion.
Worst start in Premier League history? Aston Villa collapse after summer of upheaval
Arsenal's early team news
18:24 , Mike JonesEzri Konsa could make his debut for Arsenal having joined the club last week in a move from Aston Villa.
Bruno Guimaraes could return though Jurrien Timber is expected to remain sidelined
William Saliba is absent with a back injury.
Aston Villa early team news
18:18 , Mike JonesJoao Gomes is suspended after being sent off against Brighton last week and will miss the first of three games.
Brian Madjo and Johan Manzambi are in line to start as are summer signings Zion Suzuki, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Leon Goretzka and Nicolas Jackson.
Amadou Onana is sidelined as a long-term absentee.
How to watch the game
18:12 , Mike JonesThe match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League with coverage beginning at 6.30pm.
Sky Sports subscribers can also stream the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
When is Aston Villa vs Arsenal?
18:06 , Mike JonesAston Villa host Arsenal in the Premier League with kick off at 8pm tonight.
The match takes place at Villa Park with both teams aiming for three points.
Aston Villa v Arsenal
18:00 , Mike JonesIt was contrasting fortunes for the two clubs in their first matches of the new season.
Arsenal took on Coventry and swept them aside thanks to goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, with the formidable trio aiming to be as big a threat against Villa tonight.
Villa, meanwhile, went down 4-0 to Brighton. Unai Emery’s men have also lost goalkeeper Emi Martinez and striker Ollie Watkins this week and the manager must come up with solutions or else head back into the transfer market on deadline day tomorrow.
Good evening!
17:55 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Aston Villa host Arsenal in Monday Night Football.
Villa were resolutely beaten in their first fixture of the season as Brighton scored four goals in 31 minutes to beat them 4-0 and Unai Emery is hoping his team can shake off that defeat before facing the champions.
Arsenal have been one of the clubs to benefit from Villa’s summer sale when they signed Ezri Konsa and the defender can make his debut for the Gunners against his old club this evening.
We’ll have all the team news, updates and more from tonight’s contest so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
