By Marc Jones
The Greek international was a non-stop threat on the left-hand side, working up and down all game and beating Coventry’s defenders on both the outside and when cutting in. Arsenal last attempted to retain the Premier League title in 2004-05, eventually finishing a distant second behind Chelsea, and no Gunners team have successfully defended the top-flight title since they won three leagues in a row ending in 1935.
New signing Christos Tzolis made the second goal eight minutes later in what was an impressive league debut for the Greek international following his signing from Club Brugge. Arsenal effectively killed the game off four minutes into the second period when captain Martin Odegaard grabbed a third with a scuffed finish that wrong-footed Rushworth. Mikel Arteta’s side had a blizzard of other chances as they swarmed forward but Coventry could have nicked a consolation goal with five minutes to go when a cross found Jack Rudoni unmarked but he could only head into Raya’s arms.
Coventry, who are back in the Premier League after a 25-year absence, had to stay patient as Arsenal dominated possession, but they came close at the end of the first half with a looping Loum Tchaouna overhead kick that had keeper David Raya scrambling to get back.
LONDON, – Arsenal started their Premier League title defence with a bang by sweeping aside newly-promoted Coventry City with a dominant performance in a 3-0 home win on Friday. “He has been brilliant all pre-season. He’s so lively, it’s hard to defend him. He’s a really intelligent player, he always looks up and finds the right pass.”
“Amazing, he played a brilliant game,” said the Norway midfielder.
