Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleKai Havertz and Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal a decisive lead inside the first quarter of the game (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)Arsenal started their Premier League title defence with an emphatic 3-0 victory over newly-promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night. Kai Havertz opened the scoring inside the first 15 minutes before Bukayo Saka doubled the lead, with captain Martin Odegaard securing the third goal shortly after half-time. Frank Lampard's Coventry City, returning to the English top flight for the first time in 25 years, struggled to contain the dominant champions throughout the match. Mikel Arteta's side maintained total control of the fixture following their previous 3-0 Community Shield victory against Manchester City last weekend, with substitute Mikel Merino nearly adding a fourth in stoppage time. The victory gives Arsenal the ideal start to the season as they look to defend their crown after winning the title for the first time in 22 years last season.In fullArsenal vs Coventry LIVE: Defending champions cruise to victory on Premier League returnMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

It’s been 25 years since Arsenal and Coventry last met in the Premier League.

Follow live as champions Arsenal host promoted Coventry in the season opener.

Havertz, Saka e Odegaard regalano i primi tre punti ai Campioni in carica: assist per CalafiorI