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| Photo: Football London |
The Gunners kicked off their 2026/27 title defence on Friday night with a comfortable 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.
And judging by the way Arsenal played, somebody apparently forgot to tell them that the new season was supposed to start slowly!
Coventry Arrived. Arsenal Said: “Welcome to the Premier League!”
Coventry City came to the Emirates hoping to celebrate their return to the Premier League after 25 years.
Instead, Arsenal gave them a welcome package containing three goals, zero points and a long journey home.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring in the 15th minute, calmly finishing after good work involving Christos Tzolis and Riccardo Calafiori. Eight minutes later, Bukayo Saka made it 2-0.
At that point, Coventry were probably wondering whether their Premier League promotion had come with a hidden clause: “First match must be against Arsenal.”
Ødegaard Adds the Final Insult
If Coventry were hoping for a second-half comeback, Martin Ødegaard apparently had other plans.
The Arsenal captain scored just four minutes after the restart to make it 3-0, effectively putting the game to bed before Coventry could even finish their halftime tea.
From there, Arsenal controlled the match and eventually took their foot off the accelerator.
That was probably wise.
After all, there are still 37 league matches to play. Arsenal cannot be expected to finish every match looking like they are chasing a fourth goal just because three weren't enough.
Arteta's Boys Look Hungry
The most encouraging thing for Arsenal supporters was not simply the scoreline. It was the control.
Arsenal dominated possession, created chances and looked comfortable for long periods. The champions finished with 66% possession and five shots on target, while Coventry managed just one effort on target.
Christos Tzolis also made an impressive debut, playing a major role in Arsenal's attacking moves and helping create the second goal.
Meanwhile, Ødegaard looked sharp, Saka looked dangerous and Havertz continued his habit of appearing in important places at important times.
In other words, Arsenal have apparently returned from their holidays with their football boots — and their appetite.
Coventry Will Learn From It
For Coventry, the result was painful but hardly a reason to panic.
They were playing their first Premier League match since 2001 and faced the defending champions away from home. That's basically the football equivalent of arriving at your first day of school and discovering the headmaster has personally decided to conduct your first examination.
Manager Frank Lampard will know there are plenty of matches ahead in which Coventry will have a much better chance to show that they belong in the Premier League.
So, Are Arsenal Already Champions Again?
Calm down, Gunners!
It is only one match.
But if Arsenal supporters want to enjoy themselves after waiting so long to see their team lift the Premier League trophy, nobody can blame them.
The champions have started with three goals, three points and a clean sheet.
For Coventry, it was a tough introduction.
For Arsenal, it was the perfect opening-night message:
“The crown is still ours. If you want it, come and take it.”
And judging from Friday night's performance, that might be easier said than done.
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