Arsenal began their Premier League title defence in emphatic fashion on Friday, defeating newly promoted Coventry City 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka put the champions in control before captain Martin Ødegaard added a third shortly after half-time as Mikel Arteta’s side dominated proceedings.

The victory provides Arsenal with an ideal start to their bid to retain the Premier League title after ending a 22-year wait for the championship last season.

Arsenal took the lead after 15 minutes when Christos Tzolis, making his Premier League debut, helped create space for Riccardo Calafiori to deliver a low cross that Havertz converted with a controlled finish into the bottom corner.

Tzolis continued to cause problems on the left and was involved in Arsenal’s second goal eight minutes later. His low delivery created confusion in the Coventry defence, allowing goalkeeper Carl Rushworth to palm the ball into Saka’s path. The England international made no mistake from close range.

Ødegaard completed the scoring four minutes into the second half, receiving Ben White’s pass before beating Rushworth with a scuffed finish.

Coventry, making their first Premier League appearance since 2001, struggled to match Arsenal and managed only one shot on target. Frank Lampard’s side were unable to turn their significant summer investment into an attacking threat against the champions.

Tzolis was arguably Arsenal’s standout performer, impressing with his pressing, creativity and involvement in both first-half goals despite failing to score himself.

Declan Rice and Saka, who began on the bench in Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City, also made an immediate impact, while Havertz continued his strong start after scoring against City.

Arsenal were without injured new signing Bruno Guimarães, while Viktor Gyökeres began on the bench. The Gunners nevertheless maintained control throughout and rarely looked threatened.

For Coventry, the defeat highlighted the challenge of returning to the top flight, with Lampard having started five summer signings, including club-record signing Caleb Yirenkyi.

Arsenal will next travel to face Aston Villa on Monday, August 31, while Coventry host Hull City on Saturday, August 29, following their Carabao Cup trip to Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday.