Mikel Arteta’s sided followed up last weekend’s Community Shield demolition of Manchester City with another dominant display.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring after 15 minutes, converting a Riccardo Calafiori cross following a Coventry giveaway, before Bukayo Saka doubled the lead in the 23rd minute when Christos Tzolis’s cross was diverted into his path by Coventry goalkeeper Carl Rushworth.
Martin Ødegaard added a third early in the second half, finishing after good work from Saka and Ben White, to complete a comprehensive victory.
Coventry, playing their first Premier League match in 25 years after winning promotion from the Championship, endured a torrid evening under Frank Lampard, failing to record a single tackle or touch inside Arsenal’s box throughout the first half.
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Tzolis was a standout on his first Premier League start following his move from Club Brugge, providing two assists and driving much of Arsenal’s early tempo.
New signing Bruno Guimarães missed out entirely after picking up an injury in the Community Shield, while England defender Ezri Konsa, who completed a £51 million move from Aston Villa earlier in the day, received a warm reception from supporters when presented before kick-off.
The England international is set make his debut against his former club now on the horizon when Arsenal travel to Villa Park on 31 August.
Arsenal have not successfully defended the English top-flight title since the 1930s, but this performance, coming just 89 days after their title-clinching win at Crystal Palace in May, suggested a squad with no intention of easing off after ending their 22-year wait for the championship.
– AFP
Photo: REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
