Bukayo Saka Shines As Arsenal Win Opening Game Against Coventry

 

Arsenal kicked off the new season with a 3-0 victory against Coventry, putting them at the top of the Premier League table. 

The Gunners won the Premier League title last season for the first time after 22 years. Last weekend, they won the Community Shield, defeating Manchester City at Wembley Stadium. They closed the previous season with a double and their fifth Community Shield. 

It took no longer than the 20th minute for Coventry to concede the first goal from Kai Havertz. Calafiori's cross wandered across the box through to Havertz, who, on first touch, struck the ball into the left corner. 

Declan Rice led the fast break that led to the second goal. Christos Tzolis' cross was poorly saved, and the loose ball rolled into Bukayo Saka's path. The winger guided a shot into the net. Shortly after the halftime break, Martin Odegaard sealed the victory with the third. 

Rice and Saka were both involved in the buildup to the third goal. A cutback from Ben White inside the right flank set Odegaard up for the finish. Odegaard side-footed the ball goal-bound, beating the goalkeeper to the net. 

Despite the loss, the game was Coventry's first Premier League appearance since 2001. They finished last season as the winners of the second division, lifting the EFL Championship trophy. 

Overview 

Arsenal had a decent start to the season, and Coventry came under pressure from the champions quickly at the Emirates Stadium. The newly-promoted side barely had a shot on target in the first half, and the second half was no better. It was a season-opening game with Arsenal in control, and they earned a victory. 

The newly-signed winger Tzolis made an impression. He assisted with the second goal. He was signed to replace Leandro Trossard, who left the club for Besiktas. The former Lilies star was a prominent figure on his Premier League debut.