THE FUSE

By Razeen Gutta

Arsenal opened their Premier League title defence in style with a ruthless 3-0 win over newly-promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night.

Mikel Arteta’s champions showed no hangover just 89 days after clinching the title at Crystal Palace, brushing aside Frank Lampard’s side on a one-sided opening day.

Kai Havertz set the tone after 15 minutes, punishing Milan van Ewijk’s sloppy giveaway and firing low past Carl Rushworth from Riccardo Calafiori’s cross.

It was the breakthrough after new boy Christos Tzolis twice went close.

Arsenal made it 2-0 in the 23rd minute. Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard combined to find Tzolis, whose cross was pushed out by Rushworth straight to Bukayo Saka for a composed finish.

The Gunners, who have not defended the title since the 1930s, kept up the intensity. Saka and Ben White carved open Coventry after the break; and Odegaard sealed it in the 49th minute, his miscued effort squeezing past Rushworth’s weak save.

Tzolis dazzled on his first league start following his move from Club Brugge, while new signing Ezri Konsa was presented to fans before kick-off and could face his former club Aston Villa in ten days time.

For Coventry, back in the top flight for the first time since 2001 after years of turmoil and ground-shares, it was a harsh welcome. However there were glimpses; and we could still see something special in the long season ahead.

Pictured above: Bukayo Saka

Source: @fabriziorom