Arsenal wasted no time reminding the Premier League who holds the trophy. Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka struck within eight minutes of each other to give the Gunners a 2-0 halftime lead over newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on August 21.
The defending champions, opening their 2025-26 title defense in front of a raucous home crowd, looked every bit the side that ended a 22-year wait for the league crown last season.
Early blitz sets the tone
Havertz broke the deadlock in the 15th minute with a left-footed finish, converting a well-crafted chance created by Riccardo Calafiori. Just eight minutes later, Bukayo Saka doubled the advantage with his own left-footed effort in the 23rd minute.
Coventry’s steep learning curve
