Bukayo Saka‘s second-half goal proved the difference as Arsenal overcame a stubborn Aston Villa side in a close encounter at Villa Park.
The England international fired home from close range near the hour mark after neat interplay between Eberechi Eze and Riccardo Calafiori broke through a well-organised Villa defence.
The result means the defending champions maintain their winning start to the season while Villa remain searching for their first victory of the campaign.
Bruno Guimarães came off the bench for an eye-catching league debut for the Gunners, with fellow debutant Ezri Konsa also coming on to a mixed reception from Villa fans on his return.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson made his first start for Villa following his move from Chelsea last week.
It could have been a different story had Emiliano Buendia’s effort gone in instead of crashing into the crossbar, while they could not force a leveller despite late pressure.
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Impending Villa arrivals Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ibrahim Mbaye, who will join the club before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, were in the stands and they will have enjoyed what they saw in the opening 15 minutes.
Captain John McGinn curled an effort over before Buendia went closer from a similar range as his 22-yard effort thundered into the crossbar.
Arsenal gained control of possession, but made no headway in terms of creating chances.
And the opening 45 minutes ended without a shot on target after Ian Maatsen had drifted an effort wide after cutting in from the left.
Left-back Maatsen drilled another shot wide as Villa started the second half on the front foot.
But the game swung again and Arsenal thought they had been awarded a penalty in the 54th minute when Maatsen bundled over Saka, with referee Jarred Gillett pointing to the spot after careful deliberation.
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However, VAR showed the referee got it wrong as the contact occurred outside the box.
Martin Ødegaard whipped the free-kick just wide, but the Gunners had the momentum.
And they took the lead two minutes later.
Half-time substitute Eberechi Eze fed Riccardo Calafiori, and his ball across goal was turned in from close range by a gleeful Saka.
Villa had lost their way, but regained it as they pushed for a leveller.
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Debutant Jackson played in McGinn, but the Scotland international could not sort his feet out and missed the chance to shoot, with Matty Cash’s follow-up effort blocked.
The hosts thought they should have had a penalty soon after when the busy Maatsen went down in the box, but Gillett said no and VAR did not intervene.
With men committed forward, Villa were susceptible to the counter attack and Havertz drilled an effort at straight at debutant home goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
Villa threw bodies forward, but Mikel Arteta‘s side showed all the nous and game management required to see out the win as the hosts ended the match without a shot on target.
Information from PA contributed to this report.
