Arsenal vs Coventry City

Arsenal made the perfect start to their Premier League title defence, brushing aside newly promoted Coventry City 3-0 at the Emirates. The standout moment was defensive rather than offensive: Coventry failed to land a single tackle or touch inside the Arsenal box throughout the first half, a first for any Premier League side since records began in 2007.

Kai Havertz opened the scoring in the 15th minute, finishing off a pass from Riccardo Calafiori. Bukayo Saka doubled the lead ten minutes later, tapping in after fine work from Declan Rice and debutant Christos Tzolis, who caught the eye all afternoon. Martin Odegaard completed the rout just after the break. There were no cards or penalties to speak of.

For Arsenal, it was another statement following their Community Shield win over Man City. For Coventry, back in the top flight after 25 years, it was a harsh reality check — though they can at least take comfort in not facing the champions again until April.