Arsenal opened their Premier League title defence in emphatic fashion on Friday, cruising past newly promoted Coventry City with a commanding 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners, who lifted the trophy last season for the first time in over two decades, showed no signs of a hangover as they controlled proceedings from the first whistle. Bukayo Saka broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute with a crisp finish from the edge of the box after a slick interchange with Martin Ødegaard.

Captain Ødegaard doubled the lead just before the hour mark, converting a penalty after Gabriel Jesus was brought down in the area. The Norwegian midfielder sent the Coventry keeper the wrong way to make it 2-0.

Substitute Leandro Trossard put the result beyond doubt in the 78th minute, latching onto a through-ball from Kai Havertz and slotting calmly past the onrushing goalkeeper to complete the scoring.

Coventry, making their first top-flight appearance in over 25 years, offered spirited resistance but struggled to break down a well-drilled Arsenal defence marshalled by William Saliba and new signing Riccardo Calafiori.

Speaking after the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed satisfaction with his side’s performance. “It’s always important to start strongly, especially when you are the defending champions,” Arteta said. “We showed great intensity and control, and I’m pleased with the collective effort. There’s still room for improvement, but this is a solid foundation.”

The Gunners will now turn their attention to a tricky away fixture against Aston Villa next weekend, while Coventry will look to bounce back when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers.