Arsenal began their Premier League title defence impressively, cruising to a 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday, with Nigeria internationals Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi featuring for the visitors, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.
Onyeka started and completed the entire game, while Awoniyi, who only joined Coventry from Nottingham Forest a few days earlier, was introduced with 20 minutes remaining. Neither Nigerian could prevent the Sky Blues from suffering a difficult return to the top flight.
Mikel Arteta’s side established control early and took the lead in the 15th minute through Kai Havertz before Bukayo Saka doubled the advantage eight minutes later.
Captain Martin Ødegaard completed the scoring four minutes after the restart as Arsenal secured a comfortable opening-day victory.
The result also marked Arteta’s 150th Premier League win as Arsenal manager, achieved in his 249th game in charge. Only Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho, Jürgen Klopp and Sir Alex Ferguson reached the milestone in fewer matches.
Arsenal entered the new campaign among the favourites after ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season. The Gunners will now look to defend their crown and secure consecutive league championships for the first time since their three-title run between 1932 and 1935.
Arteta handed Christos Tzolis a starting debut, while major summer signing Bruno Guimarães missed the game after picking up a knock in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
Arsenal will face their first away test of the season when they travel to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa on Monday, August 31. The Gunners will be seeking revenge after suffering a 2-1 defeat at the Midlands club on their previous visit.