Arsenal began their Premier League title defence in convincing fashion, beating newly promoted Coventry City 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium. The reigning champions wasted little time asserting their authority, punishing defensive mistakes from Frank Lampard's side to settle the contest before half-time.

The hosts raced into a two-goal lead by the 23rd minute. Kai Havertz opened the scoring before Bukayo Saka doubled the advantage, leaving Coventry with a mountain to climb against a side determined to make a strong statement on the opening weekend.

Arsenal continued to control the game after the break and added a third shortly after half-time. Captain Martin Ødegaard found the net to complete a comfortable victory and underline the Gunners' superiority.

For Coventry City, the occasion was historic as they returned to the English top flight for the first time since 2001. The visitors did have an opportunity to score a consolation goal late on, but Jack Rudoni saw his effort go straight at David Raya.

2026-27, England - Premier League

Arsenal - Coventry 3:0 (2:0)
Goals: Havertz, 15 (1:0); Saka B., 23 (2:0); Odegaard, 49 (3:0)

Arsenal: Raya; Mosquera Cr.; White B.; Gabriel M.; Calafiori (Hincapie, 81); Lewis-Skelly; Saka B. (Madueke, 68); Odegaard (Merino, 76); Havertz; Rice (Zubimendi, 68); Tzolis (Eze, 76)
Substitution: Zubimendi (from 68); Madueke (from 68); Eze (from 76); Merino (from 76); Hincapie (from 81)
Bench: Arrizabalaga; Nwaneri; Dowman M.; Gyökeres
Yellow Cards: Gabriel M. 34

Coventry: Rushworth; Dasilva Jay; Thomas Bo.; Amenda; van Ewijk; Grimes; Yirenkyi (Torp V., 62); Onyeka; Tchaouna (Hamer G., 82); Simms (Awoniyi, 70); Thomas-Asante (Rudoni, 70)
Substitution: Torp V. (from 62); Rudoni (from 70); Awoniyi (from 70); Hamer G. (from 82)
Bench: Wilson B.; Kitching; Latibeaudiere; Eccles; Sakamoto T.
Yellow Cards: Yirenkyi 27