Premier League – Havertz scores as Arsenal thrashes Coventry 3-0

The 2026/27 Premier League season kicked off with Arsenal, playing at home at the Emirates Stadium, defeating newly promoted Coventry City 3-0 after goals from Havertz, Saka, and Odegaard.

Four minutes into the match, Arsenal created an attacking opportunity when Zolis received a pass from Ødegaard, broke through the defense, and curled a shot, but the ball went wide of the post. In the 7th minute, Zolis passed the ball back from the right wing, and Saka controlled it before volleying, but his shot was blocked.

In the 9th minute, Rice received a pass back from Zolis outside the penalty area and took a long-range shot, but the ball went over the post. In the 13th minute, Coventry attempted a counter-attack, Ellis Sims passed the ball to Lum Shauna, who followed up with a long-range shot, but it was blocked.

In the 15th minute, Calafiori crossed from the left, and Havertz immediately slotted the ball home, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead. In the 23rd minute, Zolis's cross was blocked by Coventry goalkeeper Rashworth, but Saka regained possession and slotted the ball home, extending Arsenal's lead over Coventry to 2-0.

In the 27th minute, Lewis Skelly was brought down by Coventry midfielder Irenki while attempting a breakthrough, and the referee showed Irenki a yellow card. In the 33rd minute, Ben White received a pass from Ødegaard and shot from the penalty area, but the ball was cleared by an opposing player.

In the 43rd minute, Bobby Thomas headed the ball to Luum Shauna at the edge of the penalty area, who controlled it and attempted a bicycle kick, but the ball went over the goal. In the 45th minute, Saka passed the ball to Odegaard, who broke through the defense and fired a long-range shot, but it was blocked.

In the first half stoppage time, Arsenal attacked from a corner kick. Rice received the ball and took a long-range shot, but it went wide of the post.

In the 49th minute of the second half, Ben White passed the ball back from the penalty area, and Ødegaard slotted it home, extending Arsenal's lead to 3-0. In the 51st minute, Havertz created an attacking opportunity, and Lewis Skelley received the ball and fired a long-range shot from outside the penalty area, but the ball was saved by Coventry goalkeeper Rushworth.

In the 61st minute, Zolis received a pass from Ødegaard and fired a shot, but it went wide. In the 72nd minute, Ødegaard received a pass from Maduk outside the penalty area and fired a long-range shot, but it was blocked. In the 76th minute, Arsenal substituted Eze and Merino for Zolis and Ødegaard.

In the 78th minute, Maduk created an attacking opportunity, and Merino's follow-up shot was blocked by an opposing player. In the 86th minute, Victor Topp chipped a pass from the left wing into the penalty area, and Jack Rudoni rose to head the ball, but it was caught by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

In stoppage time of the second half, Maduk passed the ball to Melino, who received it outside the penalty area and took a long-range shot, but Coventry goalkeeper Rushworth saved the ball.

Arsenal ultimately secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Coventry at home, achieving a successful start to the season.

Image source: Internet