Arsenal opened their Premier League title defence in impressive fashion on Saturday, beating newly promoted Coventry City 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium to maintain the strong form they showed during pre-season.
The champions took control in the 15th minute when Riccardo Calafiori picked out Kai Havertz, who calmly slotted the ball home to give Arsenal the lead.
Bukayo Saka doubled the advantage eight minutes later, finishing from close range after a cross from new signing Christos Tzolis.
Martin Odegaard completed the scoring three minutes after half-time, with his scuffed effort finding its way past Coventry goalkeeper Carl Rushworth to seal a comfortable victory.
The result means Arsenal have now scored six unanswered goals across the Community Shield and their Premier League opener, signalling a more fluent attacking approach after the tight finishes that characterised the closing stages of their title-winning campaign last season.
Manager Mikel Arteta’s side looked particularly fluid, with Havertz, Odegaard and Saka starting together for only the second time since December 2024.
Havertz continued his impressive run of form, scoring in four consecutive starts for Arsenal and strengthening his claim to the number nine position. Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal’s top scorer last season, did not feature, including from the bench.
Tzolis also made an encouraging debut after joining Arsenal from Club Brugge for €40 million. The winger impressed with his pressing and delivery, contributing to two of Arsenal’s three goals.
For Coventry, the defeat ended an encouraging start to their return to the top flight. Frank Lampard’s side will now turn their attention to their next fixture against fellow promoted side Hull City as they seek their first points of the season.
