Arsenal began their Premier League title defence with a 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates. Goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard secured the win, with the champions dominating from the first whistle.
Champions take control early
Arsenal took the lead in the 15th minute when Havertz swept home from close range after a low cross from Calafiori. Coventry had started brightly, winning a corner within the first minute, but the champions quickly asserted their authority.
Saka doubled the lead in the 23rd minute, tapping in from a couple of yards after a low cross from Christos Tzolis on the left. The England winger was set up after goalkeeper Rushworth palmed the ball away from Havertz but only succeeded in teeing up Saka.
Odegaard seals the win
Odegaard added a third in the 49th minute, scoring from eight yards after a cutback from White. The Norwegian scuffed his shot towards the bottom right, but Rushworth, diving the wrong way, could only flap a weak hand at the ball as it rolled over the line.
Coventry had a chance to pull one back in the 42nd minute when Loum Tchaouna attempted an overhead kick that very nearly beat Raya, but the ball cleared the crossbar. Frank Lampard's side were left to rue missed opportunities as Arsenal controlled the game throughout.
Team news and context
Arsenal made two changes to the side that won the Community Shield against Manchester City, with Saka and Declan Rice replacing Noni Madueke and the injured Bruno Guimarães. Tzolis made his Premier League debut for the Gunners.
Coventry handed debuts to Aurèle Amenda, Caleb Yirenkyi and Tchaouna, with Taiwo Awoniyi and Gustavo Hamer on the bench. The result extends Arsenal's unbeaten run against Coventry in the 21st century, having won all five previous meetings between the clubs.
