Arsenal opened their Premier League title defence with a commanding 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City on Friday, immediately showing their intent to retain the crown.
The Gunners had not retained the top-flight title since 1935. They needed only 15 minutes to underline their ambition.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring after Riccardo Calafiori found him with a cross. The German guided a composed finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Arsenal doubled their advantage eight minutes later. New signing Christos Tzolis impressed on his league debut after joining from Club Brugge.
Declan Rice released Tzolis during a swift move from defence. The Greek winger then sent a low cross towards goal. Carl Rushworth could only parry it, allowing Bukayo Saka to tap into an empty net.
Coventry struggled to escape Arsenal’s pressure but threatened before half-time. An overhead kick looped towards goal and forced David Raya to scramble back.
Arsenal quickly removed any doubt after the interval. Martin Odegaard added the third four minutes into the second half with a scuffed finish that wrong-footed Rushworth.
Arteta’s side continued to create chances as they pressed for more. Coventry nearly found a consolation five minutes from time when Jack Rudoni met a cross unmarked, but he headed straight at Raya.
