Arteta's Arsenal open Premier League title defence with 3-0 win over Coventry

Arsenal defeated Coventry City 3-0 at the Emirates in the Premier League on Friday, giving Mikel Arteta a winning start to the club's title defence. The Gunners dominated the newly-promoted visitors and established control early in the contest.

Arteta praised his team's display after the match, saying: "There was a lot to like in the performance and obviously it's a great result." He added: "The manner in which we started with such a domination, clarity, understanding and flow in the game it was really impressive." Arsenal have not successfully defended a top-flight title since 1935, and their most recent attempt came in 2004-05 when they finished second behind Chelsea. Coventry returned to the Premier League after a 25-year absence.

Arsenal took the lead after 15 minutes when Riccardo Calafiori's cross found Kai Havertz on the edge of the box and the German produced a composed finish into the bottom corner. That goal gave the hosts early momentum and control of the match.

Eight minutes later Arsenal doubled their advantage with a move involving new signing Christos Tzolis, who played a key role on his Premier League debut following his move from Club Brugge. Declan Rice found Tzolis in space on the left, his low cross was parried by Coventry goalkeeper Carl Rushworth and Bukayo Saka reacted to score from close range.

Coventry threatened before half-time when a looping overhead kick forced David Raya to scramble across his goal, but the visitors could not convert the chance. Four minutes after the break Martin Odegaard got a touch on the ball and his scuffed finish wrong-footed Rushworth to make it 3-0.

Arsenal continued to create chances and Coventry came close to a late consolation when Jack Rudoni was left unmarked on a cross but headed straight at Raya. Tzolis's presence and movement posed problems for Coventry throughout the match.

"Amazing, he played a brilliant game," Odegaard said. "He's so lively, it's hard to defend him. He's a really intelligent player, he always looks up and finds the right pass."

For Coventry manager Frank Lampard, the night represented a difficult return to the Premier League but also an early lesson for his squad. Arsenal will next face Aston Villa at Villa Park on September 1.