Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Partey and Trossard get on the scoresheet as Gunners claim back-to-back wins
ARSENAL have beaten Aston Villa 2-0 as the Gunners kickstart the new season with back-to-back wins.
David Raya made an incredible save to deny Ollie Watkins the game's opener from point-blank range early in the second half.
With just over 20 minutes left on the clock, Arsenal super sub Leandro Trossard came off the bench to slot home for 1-0 with his first touch.
Thomas Partey's guided finish from the edge of the box on 77 minutes made it 2-0 and secured the spoils for the Gunners at Villa Park.
- Match result: Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
- Aston Villa team: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Onana, Tielemans, McGinn, Bailey, Rogers, Watkins
- Arsenal team: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz
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Vil to win
Villa boss Unai Emery's post-match thoughts: "They have been contenders for the Premier League title, and today was a test for us.
"We competed, we faced them, we could have won, we could have drawn, we could lose as we did in the end.
"I accept the result, and I think it's going to give us a lot of information about the team, squad and players.
"Ninety minutes is long. Sometimes we were controlling the game, they had more ball possession but sometimes we did too."
Art of the matter
Mikel Arteta on today's win: "We had to change momentum of the game. We had 10 or 12 minutes where we suffered in the second half.
"Trossard has the ability to change the game, that's what you need.
"The approach Villa had at the beginning, we were surprised. The way they were defensively.
"We had to pick up the pace a little bit because we were too slow. We created two or big two chances, Watkins had a big one and David changes the whole game. Then we were on top.
"Villa were different to what they are doing, especially at home. We have to find something else.
"The moment we understood the game, we gave them more problems. It's a difficult place to come and win."
Squad goals
Mikel Arteta was asked if he would like to bring in any more players before the window shuts on Friday.
He told Sky Sports: "It's true, we had an injury with Gabriel Jesus and we were a bit short.
"If we do something, we will do it. But the ones we have are really, really good.
"If everybody is fit, [we have enough]. We don't have 23 outfield players, we're not going to get there. We need to get some academy players."
Dave saves
David Raya telling Sky Sports about his save: "Everyone is a hero because we work together. It's not just me saving the ball.
"It was a crucial moment in the game where it was 0-0 and they had chances and I was there to save Ollie's header.
"I think of what I remember, it's a shot from outside the box. I'm on the floor so I try to get up and I can't reach it.
"I just see Ollie going in there so I react as quickly as possible I put my hand there and there's no one there to get the ball.
"It's just a repetition of things. You do drills and have to save one ball and get up to save another. This time it paid off. This is a reaction one, I don't think it's my best save."
Ray of Light
A save worthy of winning the game.
Raya was on the floor and on his back as the ball bounced off his crossbar - Watkins there waiting to head home.
But the Spaniard incredibly got up and dived forward to deny what looked to be a certain goal.
That moment at 0-0 proved to be the stepping stone as the Gunners went up a gear to get the win.
FULL-TIME: Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal continue their 100 per cent record and finally get one over Aston Villa.
How different it could've been if Watkins converted his huge chances in both halves - but Raya's incredible save was the turning point.
It is a moment that will be talked about if Arsenal are champions come May.
Trossard changed the game and got on the scoresheet - as did Partey to wrap up the three points.
A hard fought win for the Gunners.
Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
90+2. Barkley has an ambitious attempt at goal, but it flies into the Holte End.
Arsenal are very nearly there as Villa Park empties.
Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
90. Four minutes of added time to come.
Villa continue to probe, but Arsenal are standing firm.
Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
88. Nelson is on for Saka.
Saka goes off to the nearest line and takes in the appreciation from Arsenal's travelling supporters.
Odegaard picks up a booking for a cynical foul in the middle of the pitch.
Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
86. A great run from Maatsen as he dribbles beyond White.
He crosses to Duran, yet as always, Arsenal defenders are there to crowd him out.
Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
84. Saliba punches the air after making a goal-saving tackle.
Ramsey is miles ahead of him as he charges towards goal.
But suddenly Saliba channels his inner Usain Bolt and sprints back to make an incredible slide tackle, which he celebrates.
Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
81. It should be three.
Again, Trossard is involved as he finds Rice with a clever pass in field.
Rice pulls it back to Odegaard and somehow the captain blazes over from the centre of the box.
Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
80. A debut for Calafiori as he comes on to replace Timber.
GOAL: Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
78. Arsenal make it two and it's Partey time.
Brilliant pass over the defence from Gabriel to the run of Trossard.
The Belgian crosses and it goes all the way to the other side to where Saka is waiting.
He rolls it to the edge of the box and Partey strikes it.
It's low and hard, Martinez gets a big hand on it, but his wrists are weak and it trickles into the bottom corner.
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
76. Aston Villa changes as Onana and Digne go off for new signings Barkley and Maatsen.
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
75. A bit more space is beginning to show for Arsenal as Aston Villa try to commit a few more players forward.
Havertz works hard and tracks Duran all the way until he is able to put a tackle in.
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
70. The right-hand side of Arsenal - with White, Saka and Odegaard pulling wide has been the best thing about the Gunners today.
And that is where the goal comes from as Trossard as always has his shooting boots on.
It's been cagey for long periods - but Arsenal are in front.
GOAL: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
68. It's taken Trossard just a few minutes to make an impact - Arsenal score.
Saka combines well with Odegaard and the winger pulls a low cross back to the penalty spot.
It's behind Havertz but as Rogers try to clear it runs into the path of Trossard.
And he bends it into the bottom corner, a brilliantly clinical finish.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
67. Aston Villa whip in a set-piece to the back post and Konsa climbs highest.
He aims his header across the goal but it goes wide.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
66. Subs as Duran is on for Watkins and Ramsey replaces McGinn.
For Arsenal, Trossard is on for Martinelli.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
65. Oooh it's a big chance wasted by Saka - possibly offside though.
Odegaard with a clever reverse pass and Saka is one-on-one against Martinez.
But he doesn't take it first time and is crowded out by Martinez.