Premier League champions Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the season, following up their opening-day victory over Coventry with a hard-fought win at Aston Villa.After a cagey first half in which neither side managed a shot on target, Bukayo Saka broke the deadlock in the 59th minute.The goal came from a well-worked team move, with Eze sliding the ball through the lines for Riccardo Calafiori, who flung himself towards the byline and managed to pull the ball back across goal for Saka to bundle it over the line from close range. There was a late injury concern for Arsenal when Cristhian Mosquera went down clutching his hamstring and was unable to continue. He was replaced by Ezri Konsa, who joined from Villa only last week and received a largely warm reception on his return, with applause from the home crowd mixed with a smattering of boos.Despite a late spell of pressure from Villa, Arsenal saw the game out to collect all three valuable points.Daily Mail Sport’s TOM COLLOMOSSE and ISAAN KHAN were in position at Villa Park to run the rule over both sets of players… After a cagey first half in which neither side managed a shot on target, Bukayo Saka broke the deadlock in the 59th minute Zion Suzuku caught the eye on his debut with his range of kicking with either foot, which can become a key weaponAston Villa (4-3-3) Zion Suzuki – 6The debutant caught the eye with his range of kicking with either foot, which can become a key weapon. A couple of good saves, a couple of shaky moments.Matty Cash – 7Struggles against wingers with extreme pace and luckily for him, neither Christos Tzolis nor Eberechi Eze has it. Tenacious in defence and attacked where he could. Subbed.Victor Lindelof – 6.5Very shaky at Brighton last week but did better here, defending his box well and using the ball calmly when he had to.Pau Torres – 5.5Lucky not to be punished when he gave the ball away playing out. Better than he was at Brighton but looks nervous without Ezri Konsa beside him.Ian Maatsen – 4.5Arsenal tried to isolate him against Bukayo Saka throughout. Made a foolish foul on his man, then lost him for the opener. A night to forget. Ian Maatsen lost Bukayo Saka for the opener and had a night to forget against the championsBoubacar Kamara – 7Villa’s key man had to stay ultra-focused as Arsenal’s full-backs stepped inside to create superiority in the middle. Did his job well as usual.Ross Barkley – 6.5Played up front last week, now asked to play as one of two holding midfielders, and he handled a difficult challenge well. Passing was not always on point. Subbed.John McGinn – 6Never easy to play against, the Villa skipper operated from the right and was furious when Tzolis was not shown a second yellow for a clear drag-back. Booked.Emi Buendia – 7.5Fabulous strike that hit the bar early on. The Argentine was typically lively and will rue his poor pass to Jackson when Villa had a four-against-three break. Emi Buendia was typically lively and will rue his poor pass to Jackson when Villa had a four-against-three breakGeorge Hemmings – 6.5A prospect. Had a tough assignment both with and without the ball and performed steadily. Should have a Premier League career ahead of him. Subbed.Nicolas Jackson – 6This was his debut and, understandably, he is still working to understand his team-mates. For most of the game, Arsenal’s centre-backs shackled him pretty well. Subbed.SubstitutesTammy Abraham (for Jackson, 71) – 6Villa have been willing to let him go all window and it was no surprise that Jackson came straight in for his debut.Alysson (for Hemmings, 71) – 6.5Ran on the outside of Calafiori and fired across goal for Abraham, who nearly turned it in.ManagerUnai Emery – 6Allowed Arsenal to dictate the tempo of the match and hoped to hit them on the break. His team faded after a solid first half. Emery allowed Arsenal to dictate the tempo of the match and hoped to hit them on the breakARSENAL (4-2-3-1)David Raya – 6.5Had his crossbar rattled by Emi Buendia in the first half. Claimed crosses with confidence. Stayed alert with Aston Villa looking dangerous in attacking areas.Ben White – 5.5Kept trying to link up with Bukayo Saka. Passing accuracy was lacking, which was a problem. Needed to be better on the ball.Cristhian Mosquera – 7Solid positioning and got stuck into tackles. Good pass in the lead-up to Saka’s goal. Stepped up to the challenge.Gabriel – 6.5Took the responsibility of leading the backline. Pressed up the pitch and looked for passes, though Nicolas Jackson enjoyed dribbling against him.Riccardo Calafiori – 7.5His left flank was occasionally exposed due to the Italian’s high positioning. But an excellent run and cross to assist Saka. Such a threat in attack. Calafiori was a strong threat in attack and made an excellent run and cross to assist SakaMyles Lewis-Skelly – 7Smart play in the middle. Shielded the ball well, astute both in attack and in his own box.Declan Rice – 8.5Played in a quarterback-style role. Good distribution both short and aerially. Villa’s midfield looked worried when Rice was in possession, charging forward.Bukayo Saka – 7Lost the ball a few times in the first half but kept going. Good movement to get on the scoresheet. He’s now scored in consecutive league matches.Martin Odegaard – 6.5An intricate pass on 14 minutes should’ve been utilised better by Kai Havertz. Could’ve had more effect on counter-attacks.Christos Tzolis – 4.5A crash down to earth after recent strong displays. Flustered by Matty Cash’s physicality and couldn’t get going. A real lesson for the winger. New signing Christos Tzolis was sent crashing back down to earth after recent strong displaysKai Havertz – 5An underwhelming display. Missed a few chances, including after being played through by Bruno Guimaraes in the second half.SubstitutesEberechi Eze (for Christos Tzolis, 46) – 6.5Mikel Merino (for Martin Odegaard, 71) – 6.5Bruno Guimaraes (for Myles Lewis-Skelly, 71) – 7Ezri Konsa (for Cristhian Mosquera, 79) – N/AManagerMikel Arteta – 7Patient with his tactics as Arsenal gradually ground the opposition down.Referee – Jarred Gillett – 6.5Decided to give Tzolis a let-off for his foul on McGinn, keeping the second yellow card in his pocket and playing advantage instead. Otherwise, a steady display.Attendance: 36,804