Tzolis sets up Saka as Arsenal beat Coventry 3-0 in Premier League opener

Arsenal beat Coventry 3-0 in the Premier League season opener, with Christos Tzolis supplying the pass that led to Bukayo Saka's second goal as the champions began the defence of their title.

BBC Sport published player ratings for both sides after the match and invited users to submit scores; the rater closes 30 minutes after the final whistle and the displayed ratings represent the average from those user submissions. The ratings cover starting XI performances, substitutes with minutes listed, and unused substitutes for each club.

In goal and defence for Arsenal, David Raya was described as "barely tested" and given a 6. Ben White earned a 7 for providing the assist for Arsenal's third goal and for his partnership with Saka. Cristhian Mosquera was rated 7 after a solid outing, while Gabriel Magalhaes received a 7 despite being troubled by Ellis Simms and picking up a booking. Riccardo Calafiori was awarded an 8, with his pinpoint pass finding Kai Havertz for the opener noted in his appraisal.

Arsenal's midfield and forward ratings highlighted several strong displays: Myles Lewis-Skelly was marked 7 for a confident performance, Declan Rice 7 with a powerful run that started the move for the second goal, and Martin Ødegaard 8 as captain who also scored what the report described as a fortunate third. Bukayo Saka was rated 8 after scoring the second and causing problems for Jay Dasilva, Christos Tzolis received a 9 for multiple bright runs, a shot over the bar, winning the ball back for the opening goal and delivering the cross palmed into Saka, and Kai Havertz was given an 8 for his composed finish to open the scoring.

Arsenal's substitutes were Martin Zubimendi (on 68 for Rice) rated 7, described as "Spain's World Cup winner" who kept things simple; Noni Madueke (on 68 for Saka) rated 6; Eberechi Eze (on 76 for Tzolis) 5; Mikel Merino (on 76 for Ødegaard) 5; and Piero Hincapié (on 81 for Calafiori) 5. Unused Arsenal substitutes listed were Arrizabalaga, Gyokeres, Nwaneri and Dowman.

For Coventry, goalkeeper Carl Rushworth was given a 5 after a confident corner claim but criticism of his handling of the second goal on his Premier League debut and being beaten by Ødegaard's scuffed shot for the third. Milan van Ewijk was rated 4 after losing the ball that led to the opener, Bobby Thomas 5 for a difficult night but clearing well on one occasion, and Aurèle Amenda 5, noted for a big block on Saka. Jay Dasilva received a 5 for struggling against Saka, Matt Grimes 6 for attempting to get on the ball, and Frank Onyeka 5 for industrious work largely without the ball.

Coventry attackers Loum Tchaouna and Ellis Simms were both rated 6, with Tchaouna causing occasional danger including an acrobatic effort that unsettled Raya and Simms praised for battling against Gabriel. Brandon Thomas-Asante was given a 5. Coventry substitutes were Victor Torp (on 62 for Yirenkyi) 6, Taiwo Awoniyi (on 70 for Simms) 5, Jack Rudoni (on 70 for Thomas-Asante) 5 and Hamer (on 82 for Tchaouna) 5; unused Coventry subs were Wilson, Sakamoto, Kitching, Latibeaudiere and Eccles.

The victory gives Arsenal three points as they begin the defence of their Premier League crown; BBC Sport’s aggregated player ratings for the fixture will be published based on user submissions after the rater closes 30 minutes post-match.