Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka put the Gunners firmly in control during the opening 23 minutes before Martin Odegaard added a third shortly after the restart. It was an impressive opening-night performance from Mikel Arteta’s side, with.Tzolis shines as Arsenal take control
Arsenal started brightly in front of a jubilant Emirates crowd and Tzolis was at the heart of much of their best attacking play.
The Greek international went close himself after cutting inside from the left before another effort was cleared off the line by Bobby Thomas.
The breakthrough arrived after 14 minutes, and Tzolis was again involved. He won possession from Milan van Ewijk before finding Riccardo Calafiori, whose pass reached Havertz. The German produced a composed first-time finish into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
Arsenal doubled their advantage nine minutes later.
Declan Rice helped launch the attack from inside his own half before Tzolis received the ball on the left. His low delivery was pushed back into the danger area by Coventry goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, leaving Saka with a simple finish from close range.
Coventry struggled to threaten David Raya at the other end, while Arsenal went into the interval with complete control of the contest.
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Odegaard wraps up an emphatic opening win
Any hopes Coventry had of finding a way back into the game disappeared just three minutes after the restart.Saka and Ben White combined down the right before White reached the byline and pulled the ball back towards Odegaard. The Arsenal captain didn’t make the cleanest contact, but the ball spun beyond Rushworth to put the Gunners 3-0 ahead.
Tzolis continued searching for a goal on his full Emirates debut and forced Rushworth into a good save with a low effort from distance before departing to a warm reception.
With the result secure, Arteta was able to introduce Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino as Arsenal comfortably managed the closing stages.
It was ultimately a straightforward night for the champions and a perfect start to their title defence. Five consecutive Premier League seasons have now begun with an Arsenal victory, and once again they start the campaign sitting at the top of the table.
Arsenal now have a 10-day break before travelling to Aston Villa on August 31.
What did you make of Arsenal’s opening performance, Gooners? And just how impressive has Christos Tzolis looked in his first two competitive appearances? Let us know in the comments.
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