Mikel Arteta could hardly have asked for a better opening to Arsenal’s Premier League title defence. The Gunners swept aside newly-promoted Coventry City 3-0 at the Emirates on Friday, setting an early marker in their bid to finally reclaim the English top-flight crown.
Arsenal dominated from the opening whistle and quickly established control of the contest. Speaking after the win, Arteta was particularly pleased with the way his side imposed themselves on Coventry from the start.
“There was a lot to like in the performance and obviously it’s a great result,” Arteta said.
“The manner in which we started with such a domination, clarity, understanding and flow in the game it was really impressive.”
Arsenal have not successfully defended a top-flight title since 1935. Their most recent attempt came in 2004-05, when they finished second behind Chelsea.
ARSENAL KICKSTART TITLE DEFENCE IN STYLE
The hosts needed only 15 minutes to take the lead. Riccardo Calafiori’s cross found Kai Havertz on the edge of the box and the German produced a composed finish into the bottom corner.
Eight minutes later, Arsenal doubled their advantage, with new signing Christos Tzolis playing a key role on his Premier League debut following his move from Club Brugge.
Declan Rice found Tzolis in space on the left after Arsenal won the ball. The Greek winger drove a low cross towards the six-yard box, but Coventry goalkeeper Carl Rushworth could only parry it into the path of Bukayo Saka, who made no mistake from close range.
Coventry, back in the Premier League after a 25-year absence, struggled to get a foothold as Arsenal dominated possession. However, the visitors nearly pulled one back before half-time when a looping overhead kick forced David Raya to scramble across his goal.
Arsenal effectively settled the contest four minutes after the break. Captain Martin Odegaard got a touch on the ball and his scuffed finish wrong-footed Rushworth to make it 3-0.
Arteta’s side continued to push for more goals and created several further opportunities, although Coventry almost found a consolation late on. Jack Rudoni was left unmarked when a cross came into the box, but his header went straight at Raya.
TZOLIS MAKES HIS MARK ON DEBUT
Tzolis was one of Arsenal’s standout performers on his league debut, constantly testing Coventry’s defence and contributing directly to Saka’s goal.
Odegaard was impressed by the new arrival’s display.
“Amazing, he played a brilliant game,” Odegaard said. “He’s so lively, it’s hard to defend him. He’s a really intelligent player, he always looks up and finds the right pass.”
For Coventry manager Frank Lampard, the night represented a difficult return to the Premier League but also an early lesson for his squad.
Arsenal will now turn their attention to their next league assignment against Aston Villa at Villa Park on September 1, with Arteta’s side looking to build on their commanding opening performance.
– Ends
