This content isn't available anymore.
There was an error
Match of the Day's Mark Chapman, Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney discuss Arsenal's quality against Coventry City, praising the hosts but stressing that Frank Lampard's side shouldn't be judged.
This content isn't available anymore.
There was an error
We asked for your thoughts after Friday's Premier League opener between Arsenal and Coventry.
Here are some of your comments:
Arsenal fans
Rachel: The most confident football I have seen from this Arsenal team for many years. What a difference that makes. Plus the addition of a player like Christos Tzolis, so direct, so industrious, making quick and intelligent decisions and driving this team forwards. It looks so promising, can't wait for the next game.
Vince: Odegaard and Havertz look like new signings, exuding energy and grit that were missing when they were nursing injuries. Keep them fit and with a bench packed with class like World Cup Champions Merino and Zubi, with some luck, they can absolutely win all before them.
Harry: A thoroughly competent performance. Everyone did what was required of them. It was a total team performance from kick-off to final whistle. A great start to retaining the title, we need to avoid long-term injuries and unnecessary suspensions.
Sam: Perfect start to our title defence. We looked so incredibly fluid with the way we moved the ball around and were constantly attacking Coventry from various areas. Tzolis was absolutely brilliant, he gives Arsenal an outlet on the left which we haven't really had to that much effect over the last few seasons with his direct nature which is an absolute joy to watch. Odegaard looks back to his best as well he confidently controlled the game with the majority of attacks coming through his creativity. Great start but even tougher opponents to come but Arsenal are looking very strong!
Coventry fans
Peter: We need more time to bed in our new signings! It was a big ask for them. Silly mistakes made the score line look worse, but I am sure we'll get better.
Isaac: I don't think this was the worse result against a top quality side. Yes, there's a lot of work to be done but we were 2-0 down after 25 minutes and we only lost 3-0. Let's look on the bright side, that's our toughest test over and done with!
Larry: Coventry created little, and Rushworth looked like a rabbit in the headlights. They can take some relief that they only conceded three goals when it could have been five or sic.
Graham: Well, we at Coventry lost at Wrexham 3-0 last year. So no big deal!
This content isn't available anymore.
There was an error
Arsenal starting XI:
David Raya: The Arsenal number one was barely tested. 6
Ben White: His partnership with Bukayo Saka was back to its best and he grabbed an assist for Arsenal's third goal. 7
Cristhian Mosquera: A solid display from the centre-back, who had little to deal with. 7
Gabriel Magalhaes: Was given a tough ride by Ellis Simms at times and picked up a booking, but, on the whole, it was a comfortable evening for the Brazilian as Arsenal kept a clean sheet. 7
Riccardo Calafiori: The left-back is a key part of how Arsenal attack because of the unconventional positions he picks up. His pinpoint pass picked out Kai Havertz for the opening goal. 8
Myles Lewis-Skelly: A confident performance in the middle of pitch which makes all the talk of him potentially being sold during this transfer window look very silly. 7
Declan Rice: A trademark powerful run with the ball started the attack for Arsenal's second goal. 7
Martin Odegaard: The heartbeat of the Arsenal team. The captain had lots of bright moments as the Gunners pinned Coventry back. Scored a fortunate third but his performance deserved a goal. 8
Bukayo Saka: Looked back to his sharpest in the Community Shield last Sunday and brought that form into this game. Gave Jay Dasilva a torrid time and scored the second goal. 8
Christos Tzolis: A couple of very bright runs early on and a shot that went over the bar. It was his hard work that won the ball back for Arsenal's opening goal and his cross was palmed into Saka for the second. A constant threat all match. 9
Kai Havertz: The German international is one of Mikel Arteta's favourite players and put in his usual intelligent performance. A very good finish to give Arsenal an early lead. 8
Arsenal substitutes:
Martin Zubimendi (on 68, Rice): Spain's World Cup winner came on when the game was won and kept things simple in front of the Arsenal back four. 7
Noni Madueke (on 68, Saka): Not many chances to attack as Arsenal cruised to three points. 6
Eberechi Eze (on 76, Tzolis): 5
Mikel Merino (on 76, Odegaard): 5
Piero Hincapie (on 81, Calafiori): 5
Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Gyokeres, Nwaneri, Dowman
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to Match of the Day: "A great performance, a lot to like from the boys. We were so dominant, we had incredible connections, we were really accurate with the ball."
On how facing newly-promoted teams can be tricky: "They are a really good side, really well-coached and clear in the way they want to hurt you. We didn't give them chances until the last minutes."
On the fast start: "It was really positive, that's what we have been working on and we are going to keep the demands at that level. We have the quality in the squad to do that. We always try to raise the level."
On signing Ezri Konsa and the competition for places: "It's great. We recruited a great defender, a great personality as well so I am very pleased."
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard, speaking to Match of the Day: "The perfect start. It's always good to start with a win. A win at home, three goals and a clean sheet. It was really solid."
On if his World Cup with Norway has helped his form: "I think it's a combination of many things. Last season was really tough for me with injuries. First winning the league here, then having a good World Cup, feeling fit and then a good break as well, all those things put me in a good place."
On Christos Tzolis' Premier League debut: "Amazing, he played a brilliant game. 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."
On his comments about wanting to attack the title: "For sure that's the mindset. We don't feel we have to defend anything. We want to do it again and that's the mindset. Last year is finished now, we want to do it again and we want to attack it and fight for it again."
Did you know?
This was Arsenal's joint-biggest win when opening a Premier League campaign at home, along with another 3-0 victory in the 1994-95 season (v Manchester City).
Mikel Arteta recorded his 150th Premier League victory in charge of Arsenal, and is now one of only five managers to reach 150 wins in fewer than 250 games (249), after Pep Guardiola (204), Jose Mourinho (231), Jurgen Klopp (237), and Alex Ferguson (247).
Martin Odegaard has netted in consecutive appearances for Arsenal for the first time since December 2023. With tonight's strike, he already has more goals across all competitions in 2026-27 (two) than he managed in 36 appearances in 2025-26 (one).
Arsenal striker Kai Havertz has scored in four consecutive starts for the first time in English football, with this his longest run at club level across all competitions since May 2020 (four for Bayer Leverkusen).
Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesNinety minutes might be too small a sample size to predict a team's trajectory.
But the manner in which Arsenal have kicked off their new campaign suggests they are well-equipped for a formidable title defence and remain the team to beat once again.
The usual performers delivered as Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka both made an impact after only appearing as substitutes against Manchester City in Sunday's Community Shield victory, while Kai Havertz has now scored in back-to-back games.
Riccardo Calafiori was a constant source of energy on the left flank while Gabriel looked solid despite the absence of the injured William Saliba, and the Brazilian will be relishing the prospect of partnering new signing Ezri Konsa, who was presented to the fans before kick-off.
But the standout performer was Christos Tzolis, the winger who pressed relentlessly, created chances and played a key role in both of Arsenal's first-half goals on his Premier League debut - a display that only lacked a goal for himself.
Even without Bruno Guimaraes, and with Viktor Gyokeres only starting on the bench, the champions looked to be in complete control. They carried a constant threat and were rarely troubled themselves.
And the fact they hardly had to shift out of second gear to do so will be encouraging for Arteta, as Arsenal look to defend a Premier League crown successfully for the first time.
This content isn't available anymore.
There was an error
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Arsenal's performance
What did you make of Coventry's display?
Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Saturday for a selection of your replies.
Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal have spent more than £100m already, bringing in midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle (£75m) and Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis (£34m) during this transfer window.
Last season, their extremely well-organised defence - aided by the effective partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel - helped them win their first title in 22 years as they conceded just 27 league goals.
But half of their title-winning backline is not going to be fit for the first part of the season.
Saliba has been ruled out for an "extended period" with a long-term back issue, which he had been managing last season and which ended his World Cup with France early.
Jurrien Timber, the first-choice right-back, is also out for the opening weeks with a groin problem that caused him to pull out of the Netherlands' World Cup squad.
That has left Ben White, who has had his own fitness issues in recent seasons, as the Gunners' only fit right-back and 21-year-old Cristhian Mosquera as the only right-sided centre-back to partner Gabriel.
It could be argued Arsenal, who also made defender Piero Hincapie's loan deal permanent this summer, could be able to cope without signing another defender.
But Mikel Arteta does not seem to like fielding two left-footed players at centre-back - which would happen if White got injured and Mosquera had to move to right-back.
Riccardo Calafiori is preferred at left-back by Arteta because of the unpredictability he brings to the team's attack, while Hincapie is left-sided too.
Highly rated 16-year-old academy defender Marli Salmon is also on the books, but is most likely to be used sparingly in cup competitions as he continues to develop.
Image source, Getty Images"I'm hungry to win and that's what I'm here for," Arsenal's newest summer signing Ezri Konsa said after penning a four-year deal, with the option of a further year, at Emirates Stadium.
The 28-year-old defender, who has signed a deal worth £51m plus £4m in add-ons, leaves Aston Villa with 286 appearances, 12 goals and four assists under his belt.
Konsa featured heavily as Unai Emery's side ended the club's 30-year trophy drought with the Europa League title last season, while also representing England in every single match at this summer's World Cup.
"I'm super excited," Konsa said. "It is a privilege to be here and I can't wait to get started. I want to keep winning.
"It is a proud moment, for me and my family, to play for one of the best teams in the world. A lot of emotions have gone through my head, but I think it will really kick in on the first matchday.
"I'm here to win. I will do everything in my power to continue bringing success to this club.
"I know Mikel Arteta loves defenders who can really defend and defenders who are calm on the ball. His style suits me, so I can't wait to get going."
Sporting director Andrea Berta said: "He is a defender of high quality. His athleticism, composure and tactical intelligence has established him as one of the Premier League's most consistent performers.
"He will bring valuable versatility to our squad, being comfortable at both centre-back and right-back, while also maintaining the high defensive standards which are fundamental to our challenge of winning major trophies.
"We are welcoming a player with proven Premier League and international experience, plus strong leadership qualities, who will adapt seamlessly to our style of play. Just as importantly, we are welcoming a player with the character and mentality to make an immediate impact at our club."
I never read too much into the Community Shield, but to beat Manchester City as comprehensively as Arsenal did was hugely impressive and it shows where they are at.
Bruno Guimaraes is a good signing and while Christos Tzolis could not cut it at Norwich City - the jersey was too big for him - he looks the part too.
Joking aside, it was Daniel Farke who signed Tzolis for the Canaries in 2021 and called him one of the brightest young prospects in Europe, and he has been proven right about that.
This is all bad news for Coventry, though.
Speaking of Norwich, they haven't been in the top flight for a few years now but I always remember them getting stuffed in their opening-day fixture in 2019 when they played Liverpool away - and it is a nightmare for Sky Blues boss Frank Lampard to open with a game like this.
I suppose, on the flip-side, if Coventry can somehow go to the Emirates and get a draw against the champions then it would provide such a huge boost to their players.
But I can't see past an Arsenal win. The scoreline just depends on how much Mikel Arteta's side put their foot down.
Sutton's prediction: 3-0
Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal are getting closer to completing a deal to sign 18-year-old Blackburn Rovers striker Igor Tyjon.
The England youth international has been a long-term target for the Gunners and they attempted to complete a deal to sign the forward in January.
Multiple sources have now told BBC Sport that a deal has now been agreed between both clubs and a medical is expected to take place.
Tyjon has made three appearances for Blackburn's senior side with two in the Championship in the 2024-25 season and the last in the EFL Cup last season.
He has not signed a professional deal with Blackburn but is into the third year of his scholarship.
According to Transfermarkt, Tyjon scored seven goals in 21 appearances in all competitions for Blackburn's academy sides last season.
Blackburn have been approached for comment.
Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist
It doesn't get much tougher for Coventry City in their first top-flight game for 25 years. The Sky Blues travel to defending champions Arsenal on Friday (20:00 BST) for the first game of the 2026-27 Premier League season.
The Gunners ended a long wait of their own last term, as they finished top of the pile for the first time in 22 years. Given the instability elsewhere in the Premier League – nine of the 20 teams in the division have new head coaches – Mikel Arteta's side are the big favourites to retain the title in the eyes of many.
Like Arsenal under Arteta, Coventry come into the season after years of stability. Head coach Frank Lampard was appointed in 2024 and has excelled; his team coasted to the title in the second tier last season, finishing 11 points clear of Ipswich Town in second.
Gunning for two in a row?
Although they have some injury issues to contend with going into the new campaign – William Saliba and Jurrien Timber will miss the start of the season – Arsenal look well set to go again.
In Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, Arteta has added two goalscoring options from midfield too. The former registered 14 goal contributions in the Premier League last season, with nine goals and five assists, while Tzolis produced a massive 40 – 17 goals and 23 assists – in the Belgian top flight for Club Brugge.
With a robust defence to lean on, if the Gunners can find some extra stardust in the attacking third, then they could represent a formidable opponent this term.
In terms of this fixture, Arsenal's record has been phenomenal against newly promoted sides at Emirates Stadium in recent years.
They have won 17 of their past 18 Premier League games against promoted sides at home. The Gunners are also unbeaten in 45 Premier League home games against promoted sides, the longest such run by any team in the competition's history.
Early Sky Blues?
This fixture represents a tall order for the Sky Blues with that in mind and, while there will be plenty of excitement upon their return to the Premier League, it may take a while for their campaign to take off.
According to Opta, Lampard's side have the toughest start of any team in the division this season. They face Hull City at the Coventry Building Society Arena in week two and then trips to Manchester City and Nottingham Forest sandwich a home encounter with Brighton after that.
They do at least have some fond memories of matches against Arsenal on the opening day. In 1993-94, they won 3-0 at Highbury thanks to a hat-trick from Micky Quinn.
It is no surprise that the football landscape has shifted since then, though. In taking to the field on Friday, Coventry will set a Premier League record. This is their first match in the competition for 25 years and 94 days, the longest gap between games by a side in the league's history.
Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician
Image source, Getty ImagesThe Gunners were fully-deserving of their Premier League title as they were by far the best team, with their expected goal difference much higher than closest rivals Manchester City (+36.7 compared to City's +26.7).
Their defence was excellent across the board, not just in terms of goals conceded. They remarkably gave up both the fewest and the hardest chances to score in the league, so there was no luck involved in how they managed to let in so few goals, with 27 conceded from 28.2 xG against.
There's still room for improvement in attack though. While only Manchester City scored more, Arsenal's 71 goals were the fewest by a champion since Leicester in 2015-16 (68). The Gunners did take their chances as only Tottenham and Aston Villa overperformed their xG by more than their six goals, but they only ranked fourth for shots and xG, suggesting they could do with more creativity this season.
Arsenal are exploring a move for Juventus and Turkey winger Kenan Yildiz, 21. (Independent), external
Inter Milan are interested in signing Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal. (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Chris Bevan
BBC Sport journalist
Last year, only 17% of BBC Sport predictors (6/35) thought Arsenal would be champions. This year, 89% (25/28) think they will successfully defend their crown - and no-one thinks they will finish lower than second.
Theo Walcott - Prediction: 1st
They have got the biggest advantage of all - continuity. Mikel Arteta is still there, they are coming off an 85-point title-winning season and they have strengthened rather than rebuilt.
The Bruno Guimaraes signing is massive, to add to a midfield that already boasts Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. Their defence was also ridiculously good last season, although William Saliba's progress after his World Cup injury is something to watch closely.
Paul Robinson - Prediction: 2nd
If Victor Osimhen comes in from Galatasaray, and they get Villa defender Ezri Konsa too, then it's a different conversation. But they are not the only team still trying to get deals done.
Thomas Hitzlsperger - Prediction: 1st
Arsenal are the team to beat. Unlike a lot of their rivals, they kept their manager and, every season, the team plays together and gets additions.
I still don't expect Arsenal to play nice football in the sense that I am excited to watch them play. I just think they really know what it takes to win, and they are going to do the same again this season.
Premier League predictions 2026-27: BBC Sport pundits pick their top four
Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician
Image source, Getty ImagesIn the Premier League last season, 13 of the 20 teams finished with between 40 and 60 points - the most in an English top-flight campaign since 2003-04 (also 13).
Was the Premier League so competitive in 2025-26 because the quality of the 'lesser' teams got better or the top teams got worse? It is hard to know for sure.
Given how savvy clubs like Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth are, the vast amounts of money that enable even bottom-half sides to sign the best talent from abroad and the Premier League's current dominance of the Europa League and Conference League, it would seem to be the former.
However, the fact that promoted play-off winners Sunderland were able to finish above 13 teams in their first season back suggests the league was maybe not as strong as we think.
What we do know is that whether because they got worse or their opponents got better, four of the sides that finished in the top seven in 2024-25 - champions Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest - took 79 points fewer between them last season.
While Forest's decline was perhaps expected given their incredible seventh-place finish in 2024-25 and their journey to the Europa League semi-finals last season, the others were far more surprising.
Sunderland and Leeds smashed the recent run of promoted sides struggling to compete by taking 64 more points than the teams they replaced in the top flight.
As a result, this season will be a bit of an upside-down one in that Bournemouth, Brighton and Sunderland have European campaigns to navigate while Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle do not.
Will we therefore see a bounce-back to the more 'traditional' order in 2026-27 or are we truly entering a new, fiercely-competitive era of the Premier League?
Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal have made a pre-contract offer to sign Georgia Under-21 international Andria Bartishvili - who has been compared with compatriot and Paris St-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The Gunners have accelerated their interest in the 17-year-old attacker with a view to him arriving in London towards the end of the year when his contract with parent club FC Kolkheti expires.
According to sources close to the player, Bartishvili, who is currently on loan at Iberia 1999, is believed to have other options and is still to decide on his next move.
Liverpool and Juventus are among the clubs credited with an interest in Bartishvili.
The Gunners' move for Bartishvili has been led by sporting director Andrea Berta's assistant Maurizio Micheli, who is credited with unearthing Kvaratskhelia during his time with Napoli, where he was chief scout.
The youngster has been likened to Kvaratskhelia in Georgia given their similar attacking attributes.
Bartishvili would require the necessary international clearance to complete a move to Arsenal or any other Premier League club.
