Arsenal Opens Premier League Title Defense With Shutout Win vs.Newly-Promoted Coventry

Newcomer Christos Tzolis helped set up two goals as defending championArsenalopened thePremier Leagueseason by dismantling promoted Coventry 3-0 to spoil the visitor’s long-awaited return to the top flight Friday.

After ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title, Arsenal showed why it’s favored to repeat as champion by completely dominating Frank Lampard’s side in a game that was one-sided from start to finish.

Kai Havertz,Bukayo SakaandMartin Odegaardscored for the Gunners, who spurned chances to pad the scoreline even further.

For Coventry, it was a rude welcome back to the Premier League after a 25-year absence.Having won the second-tier Championship last season by a wide margin, Lampard’s side simply looked outmatched as it was repeatedly taken apart by a marauding Arsenal.

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Tzolis was the only summer signing to start for the hosts, but the left winger showed he could give this attack an added dimension by helping to set up both opening goals.

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First he stole possession to feed defenderRiccardo Calafiori, who squared the ball for Havertz to slot home in the 15th minute.The Greece international then sent a cross in from the left that goalkeeperCarl Rushworthmanaged to only push into the path of Saka, who scored into an empty net in the 23rd.

Odegaard added the third shortly after the break after his scuffed shot looped in out of reach of Rushworth.The Arsenal captain gave an apologetic shrug as a celebration.

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At the other end, the only time Arsenal goalkeeperDavid Rayawas troubled was when a speculative overhead kick fromLoum Tchaounafrom outside the box sailed just high of the bar in the 42nd.The visitor’s only effort on target came in the 86th, whenJack Rudonimanaged only a weak header straight at Raya.

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Arsenal introduced its latest signing, England defenderEzri Konsa, before kickoff after he completed a move fromAston Villaearlier Friday.

Reporting by The Associated Press.