Mikel Arteta’s side brushed aside promoted Coventry in emphatic fashion at the Emirates Stadium, underlining their determination to retain the title. Kai Havertz struck early in the first half and Bukayo Saka doubled the lead before Martin Odegaard netted after the interval to complete Arsenal’s masterclass. The Gunners have not successfully defended the English title since the 1930s, but Arteta insisted this week his players are hungry for more silverware.
Arsenal made the perfect start to their Premier League title defence with a stylish 3-0 win against Coventry in the opening game of the season on Friday.
Tzolis, who provided two assists in the Community Shield, nearly bagged his first Arsenal goal in the opening minutes, firing just over from Odegaard’s pass. Coventry defender Milan van Ewijk surrendered possession carelessly on the right flank and Riccardo Calafiori pounced, whipping in a cross that Havertz met with a clinical low strike from just inside the penalty area. Coventry were playing their first Premier League game since 2001 after winning the Championship last season to end their long exile from the top-flight. Having spent a season in the fourth tier, plunged into administration and twice been forced to ground-share away from Coventry in the 25 years since they were last in the Premier League, the return of Frank Lampard’s side was a feelgood moment.
