With their 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield Arsenal had secured their first title of the season. Now, the reigning champions faced newly promoted Coventry City in search of a strong start to the new Premier League season. Mikel Arteta brought in Rice and Saka for Bruno Guimaraes and Madueke. Havertz, playing as a false nine, and Tzolis, the only new signing, were once again in the starting lineup. Tzolis was absolutely fantastic, creating Arsenal’s first chances: First, he missed the target himself, then set up Saka, before Thomas saved his shot just before the line. But Arsenal was rewarded for its energetic start and Havertz had the honor of scoring the opening goal following a pass from Calafiori after van Ewijk had fumbled the ball. Shortly afterward Rushworth parried a shot by Tzolis right to Saka’s feet, and Saka tapped it in to make it 2–0. Arsenal continued to play with enthusiasm; instead of sitting on their lead as they used to, they played almost every ball quickly and vertically up front, which was great to see. This created several chances: former Frankfurt player Amenda blocked a shot by White, Ödegaard's shot was deflected wide of the goal, and Rice's long-range shot narrowly missed the post. Arsenal went into halftime with a well-deserved lead against the overwhelmed promoted side. Shortly after the break Ödegaard sealed the deal with his goal to make it 3-0 and Rushworth once again didn’t look good on the play. But shortly afterward, Coventry’s goalkeeper made a great save, tipping Lewis-Skelly’s long-range shot over the crossbar with his fingertips and he was also there to stop Tzolis’s shot. Arsenal allowed Coventry just one chance: Rudoni headed the ball straight at Raya from a full run. Overall, this was the game everyone expected, with Arsenal being dominant from the first to the last minute. I really liked seeing them play forward instead of just sitting back after the lead. Great start for the Gunners 🔥.