The 2026/27 Premier League season kicks off tonight, with champions Arsenal hosting newly-promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.
The Friday night curtain-raiser sees the title favourites face Frank Lampard's Sky Blues, who return to the top flight after a 25-year absence.
Mikel Arteta's side come into the match on the back of a 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield last weekend, a result that set down a marker for the rest of the league.
When is Arsenal v Coventry?
Arsenal take on Coventry on Friday, August 21, with a kick-off time of 8pm at the Emirates Stadium, London.
Is the game on TV?
Yes, Sky Sports are showing this game. Customers can tune into Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League from 6.30pm.
Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts. This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.
What about live streaming?
Viewers will be able to stream action from north London via the Sky Go app.
Quotes corner
Mikel Arteta: "It's unbelievable. I know all those stats because I've watched a lot of their (Coventry's) games, because I know when we faced him, and he was at Chelsea as well. I think what he's done is remarkable and I'm sure they will show the ambition on Friday night. We are ready because we know what to expect."
Frank Lampard: "The last thing I would like to have after a game against Arsenal – or any team like this – is a regret of our approach and that we didn't give it everything. If we can do that as a team, then we will compete in this league and show teams what we are. If we don't, we'll be disappointed. I'll remind the players of that [before the game]. I want to show in our performance and in how we approach the game that we haven't come into it with any kind of fear. We respect Arsenal greatly, but it doesn't mean you play with too much respect and you're passive. I want us to go there with the right mentality and approach the game in the right way."
