Champions Arsenal down spirited Villa on home return
31.08.26, 21:57 Updated 31.08.26, 22:21
Michael Plant
Aston Villa suffered a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal in their maiden home Premier League game of the season, ensuring the Villans start the new term with back-to-back losses.
Back under the lights for the first time since May's Europa League victory, Unai Emery's new-look side gave a spirited display, particularly after last week's capitulation on the south coast.
While lacking a threat in the offensive areas, this was significantly improved defensively, as Villa limited the champions to just seven throughout the 90 minutes. But, vitally, Arsenal converted one of those before the hour mark as Bukayo Saka tapped in at the back post from a Riccardo Calafiori cross.
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Michael Plant Freelance reporter. Nearly a decade's experience in the media industry and a former Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool club correspondent. A Villa fan from birth, Michael was born in Birmingham but grew up in Belfast.