ARSENAL enjoyed a breezy start to their 2026-27 Premier League season after brushing Coventry aside 3-0.
The Gunners bossed the newly-promoted side from start to finish and went ahead in the 15th minute through Kai Havertz‘s smart finish.
Arsenal dominated Coventry on Friday night as they eased to a 3-0 win Credit: Alamy
The Gunners barely got out of third gear against the newly-promoted side Credit: Reuters
Bukayo Saka tapped home the second just minutes later to put the team in cruise control.
And then Martin Odegaard added gloss to the scoreline as his effort bounced in after wrong-footing keeper Carl Rushworth.
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Here are Simon Collings‘ three big takeaways from Arsenal‘s win at the Emirates.
TZOL ABOARD
I’ve got to say, for me, the player of the match was Christos Tzolis, I know Martin Odegaard got the official award, but that was a heck of a home debut from Tzolis.
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Particularly when we know the next 10 days or so is going to be all about: are Arsenal going to bring in that new left winger as well?
I think Tzolis has given them some food for thought that maybe he should be the man they should stick with.
New signing Christos Tzolis had one heck of a home debut for Mikel Arteta’s side Credit: Alamy
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
On the other flank, I thought Bukayo Saka and Ben White were really impressive.
I know those two have had injury problems, particularly over last season.
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Bukayo Saka and Ben White impressed down the right hand side Credit: Getty
But we saw what made Arsenal so good three, four years ago in that first title charge under Arteta.
When Saka and White combine, they are really effective, and I think that bodes so well for the future for Arsenal, particularly with Jurrien Timber still being a little while away.
STAY OR GYO?
One interesting point though, and this could easily go under the radar tonight: no Viktor Gyokeres against his old club. He would have loved to be playing in this game.
The Sweden star did not come off the bench at all; he was an unused substitute.
Viktor Gyokeres was an unused substitute and there will be questions over his future Credit: Getty
Arsenal would love to sign Julian Alvarez and speculation will continue to link him with a move Credit: Getty
We talk about speculation and what’s going to come next in the transfer window.
I do wonder if there might be a bit of chatter around Gyokeres, particularly when Havertz is playing so well and we know Arsenal would love to add Julian Alvarez to this squad.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for the Argentine forward all summer long, though Atletico Madrid appear to be digging their heels in.
We already know they rejected a stunning £130m bid from Real Madrid while Barcelona are also keen.
Overall, a great opening night for Arsenal: three points to kick off their defence as the Premier League champions!
Arsenal player ratings: Christos Tzolis leaves Emirates breathless with stunning Prem debut & Odegaard is irreplaceable
ARSENAL started their title defence in style as they brushed newly promoted Coventry City aside with ease.
