Aston Villa Report

AVFC Official

Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

Aston Villa fell to defeat in their opening home game of the 2026/27 season on Bank Holiday Monday, narrowly losing out 1-0 to Arsenal.

John Townley

#AVFC narrowly lose their first home match of the season to champions Arsenal, with Bukayo Saka's second-half goal proving the difference. Emi Buendia hit the bar in the first half, but Villa again lacked a cutting edge in the final third tonight.…

Jacob Tanswell

FT: #AVFC 0-1 Arsenal Full of endeavour but no shot on target for Villa - attacking firepower will arrive as new personnel integrate and the team gels. Both sides very much looked like they were in early-season mode and shells of what they will become - and Villa had a lot more…

Jacob Tanswell

Alysson really bright. Always wants to make something happen. Direct, embracing 1v1s with and without the ball. Hasn't taken long either for Wan-Bissaka to be sprawling and sliding. Eight minutes of additional time. #AVFC

Jacob Tanswell

McGinn rallying his team-mates. Emery has essentially changed two 10s out-wide for two traditional wingers. Wants them to stretch the pitch and for his full-backs to make the same underlaps Arsenal's do, in turn crossing for Abraham. Wide 4-2-3-1, which is rare for Emery. #AVFC

Jacob Tanswell

Applause from the home crowd as Ezri Konsa comes on. #AVFC

Sky Sports

'One of the best passes I've ever seen!' - Nev hails Ederson-esque pass from Suzuki

Gary Neville hails Ederson-esque pass from Suzuki.

Jacob Tanswell

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alejandro Garnacho are coming on. Emery is screaming at Garnacho, rallying him up. #AVFC

Jacob Tanswell

Tammy Abraham and Alysson coming on. #AVFC

Jacob Tanswell

Nicolas Jackson coming to feet well and making repeatable movements in the left channel - like Watkins - which does seem like a threat if #AVFC can work a counter. Villa have had just six touches in Arsenal's box in the first 63 minutes, so clearly need to find some incision.