Arsenal began their journey to defend the Premier League title with a convincing 3-0 victory over Coventry City at the Emirates. With a more energetic squad and a more comfortable mentality after ending 22 years of waiting for the championship, Mikel Arteta's team quickly imposed their game and created a safe gap in the first half.
No longer under pressure like the end of last season, Arsenal played confidently and proactively. The red-shirted players controlled the ball well, circulated smoothly and continuously put pressure on Coventry's defense. The away team, in their first return to the Premier League since 2001, could hardly make a difference against a superior quality opponent.
Arsenal opened the score in the 15th minute. Riccardo Calafiori made a pass into the penalty area for Kai Havertz to finish accurately. This continues to be a positive sign for the German striker after a long period of struggling with injury last season. Including friendly matches and performances at the 2026 World Cup, Havertz has scored 10 goals in the last 17 appearances.
In the 23rd minute, Bukayo Saka doubled the gap for the home team. Newcomer Christos Tzolis impressed when he regained the ball before participating in a combination leading to a goal. The Greek player's pass found Saka's right position, helping Arsenal create a big advantage before the break.
After an impressive match against Manchester City in the Community Shield, Tzolis continued to show his ability to integrate quickly with Arsenal. The 24-year-old player is active on the left wing, often putting pressure and creating dangerous situations. In the context that Leandro Trossard has left the team and Gabriel Martinelli is not registered, Tzolis's form brings another quality option for Arteta's attack.
Martin Odegaard also closed the outstanding performance with a goal in the 49th minute. The Norwegian midfielder coordinated with Saka before receiving the ball back in the penalty area and finishing successfully. The goal was not really beautiful, but still showed the confidence that was returning to Odegaard.
After the first 2 matches of the season (including the English Super Cup), Odegaard has scored 2 goals, surpassing his scoring record in the Premier League last season. This midfielder had many physical problems in the 2025-2026 season, but recent performances show that he is finding his best state again.
The Gunners" can also be satisfied with the performance of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice. Both had to endure a large amount of play last season but both showed stability in the opening match. Myles Lewis-Skelly also impressed in the midfield area thanks to their ability to compete, escape pressing and create energy for the team.
Newcomer Ezri Konsa was also introduced to fans before the match after completing a £55 million deal from Aston Villa. Arsenal's squad depth was shown when Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and Piero Hincapie were all brought onto the field. Viktor Gyokeres did not even have a chance to play.
This shows that Arsenal has a very thick squad and has many options in each position. Arteta can withdraw Saka, Rice and Odegaard from the field when the match is almost decided, thereby giving the key players more time to rest.
For Arsenal, this is an almost perfect start. After winning the championship last season, Arteta once emphasized that Arsenal not only wants to defend the title but will try to dominate the Premier League. The 3-0 victory over Coventry is clear proof of that statement.
