Arsenal sweep Coventry aside to start Premier League title defence in style

What a difference a title makes.

The last time Arsenal played in front of their own supporters, you could cut the nervous tension with a knife as Mikel Arteta’s side scraped to a 1-0 victory over already relegated Burnley.

Ninety-five days on and, Arsenal having ended their long wait to be crowned champions the following night when Manchester City slipped up against Bournemouth, Coventry were given a rude awakening in their first Premier League game for 25 years.

It is now 46 matches since Arsenal lost at home to a promoted side and there was never any doubt about the result as soon as Kai Havertz – who scored the only goal against Burnley that turned out to be priceless – picked up where he left off by giving Arsenal the lead in the 15th minute.

A tap-in from Bukayo Saka and then Martin Ødegaard, the captain, matching his Premier League tally from last season just after half-time made it almost the perfect start for the champions.

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