ARSENAL enjoyed a breezy start to their 2026-27 Premier League season after brushing Coventry aside 3-0.

The Gunners from start to finish and went ahead in the 15th minute through ‘s smart finish.

London, UK. 21st Aug, 2026. Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates scoring their second goal with Christos Tzolis of Arsenal (r) during the Arsenal vs Coventry City Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture credit should read: David KlArsenal dominated Coventry on Friday night as they eased to a 3-0 win Credit: Alamy : FA Community Shield - Arsenal v Manchester CityThe Gunners barely got out of third gear against the newly-promoted side Credit: Reuters

tapped home the second just minutes later to put the team in cruise control.

And then added gloss to the scoreline as his effort bounced in after wrong-footing keeper .

Here are Simon Collings’ three big takeaways from ‘s win at the Emirates.

TZOL ABOARD

I’ve got to say, for me, the player of the match was Christos Tzolis, I know Martin Odegaard got the official award, but that was a heck of a home debut from Tzolis.

Particularly when we know the next 10 days or so is going to be all about: are Arsenal going to bring in that new left winger as well?

I think Tzolis has given them some food for thought that maybe he should be the man they should stick with.

London, UK. 21st Aug, 2026. Christos Tzolis of Arsenal during the Arsenal vs Coventry City Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture credit should read: David Klein/Sportimage Credit: Sportimage Ltd/Alamy Live NewsNew signing Christos Tzolis had one heck of a home debut for Mikel Arteta’s side Credit: Alamy Match stats between Arsenal and Coventry City, with Arsenal winning 3-0.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

On the other flank, I thought Bukayo Saka and Ben White were really impressive.

I know those two have had injury problems, particularly over last season.

Arsenal FC v Coventry City - Premier League 2026/27Bukayo Saka and Ben White impressed down the right hand side Credit: Getty
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But we saw what made Arsenal so good three, four years ago in that first title charge under Arteta.

When Saka and White combine, they are really effective, and I think that bodes so well for the future for Arsenal, particularly with still being a little while away.

STAY OR GYO?

One interesting point though, and this could easily go under the radar tonight: no against his old club. He would have loved to be playing in this game.

The star did not come off the bench at all; he was an unused substitute.

Arsenal FC v Borussia Dortmund - Pre-Season FriendlyViktor Gyokeres was an unused substitute and there will be questions over his future Credit: Getty Atletico de Madrid v Real Betis Balompie - LaLiga EA SportsArsenal would love to sign Julian Alvarez and speculation will continue to link him with a move Credit: Getty

We talk about speculation and what’s going to come next in the transfer window.

I do wonder if there might be a bit of chatter around Gyokeres, particularly when Havertz is playing so well and we know Arsenal would love to add to this squad.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for the Argentine forward all summer long, though appear to be digging their heels in.

We already know they rejected a stunning £130m bid from while are also keen.

Overall, a great opening night for Arsenal: three points to kick off their defence as the Premier League champions!