Arsenal opened their Premier League title defence with a 3-0 home win over promoted Coventry as Kai Havertz scored in the 15th minute, Bukayo Saka added a tap-in and captain Martin Ødegaard extended his Premier League tally just after half-time. The result continued Arsenal’s run without a home loss to a newly promoted side, a streak stretching to 46 matches, and delivered a confident performance at the Emirates. Manager Mikel Arteta substituted Ødegaard and Declan Rice with World Cup winners Mikel Merino and Martín Zubimendi with about 15 minutes remaining, underlining Arsenal’s squad depth. Arsenal paraded new signing Ezri Konsa before kick-off after his reported £51m move from Aston Villa, while Bruno Guimarães missed the match after picking up an injury on his £75m debut in the Community Shield. Coventry fielded five summer signings including Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, and their goalkeeper Carl Rushworth’s misplay led to the Saka goal. Frank Lampard’s side now head into next week’s home game against Hull as a more realistic barometer of their survival prospects.
