Arsenal 3-0 Coventry City LIVE – Champions start title defence with comfortable win

“I love that a player who has just been here for a few weeks gets that kind of energy every time he’s on the ball.

“But I think he’s earned it. I think the way he has performed in the last few games has been phenomenal. What he transmits as a player, so direct, so incisive constantly, he wants to make things happen, and he has an incredible variety of actions to make the right decisions.

“Very, very happy with him.”

Mikel Arteta speaking to Sky Sports: “There was a lot to like. We were really dominate and flow with the ball, connecting well with one another. We should have scored more goals.”

“Amazing, he played a brilliant game. He has been brilliant all pre-season. He’s so lively, it’s hard to defend him. He’s a really intelligent player, he always looks up and finds the right pass.”

Martin Odegaard speaking to Sky Sports: “Last season was a big struggle for me, I had too many injuries and weird situations and bad luck. I could never find a rhythm. It’s hard when you are in and out and not 100 per cent fit. It was hard. But I feel good now. My body is good after a good World Cup and pre-season. I’m feeling 100 per cent.”

Full time at the Emirates and Arsenal have brushed aside Coventry 3-0.

A dominant start to the season for the Champions.

Mikel Merino tries his luck from range but his effort rolls towards Rushworth.

Four minutes added on.

Jack Rudoni has Coventry’s best chance of the night, but his header goes straight into the gloves of David Raya.

Gustavo Hamer replaces Loum Tchaouna.

Riccardo Calafiori is off for Piero Hincapie.

Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino replace Christos Tzolis and Martin Odegaard.

Myles Lewis-Skelly almost gets Riccardo Calafiori in behind the Coventry defence with a wonderful pass, but Rushworth is quick off his line to claim.

Ellis Simms and Brandon Thomas-Asante are replaced by Taiwo Awoniyi and Jack Rudoni.

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka make way for Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi.

Bobby Thomas tries his luck from range and it roles wide.

Rushworth denies Tzolis after the Greek international’s effort flies through a crowd of players.

His goal is surely coming…

Caleb Yirenkyi is replaced by Victor Torp.

Tzolis is yet again at the heart of everything Arsenal are doing well in attack.

This time his thunderous strike deflects wide of the post and out for a corner.

It leads to nothing.

Loum Tchaouna drives at the Arsenal defence and puts in a dangerous ball towards the back post, but it evades everyone.

Rushworth tips Saka’s shot over the bar and out for an Arsenal corner.

Arsenal are in cruise control!

Martin Odegaard miss hits his shot from Ben White’s cut back but it wrong foots Rushworth and bounces into the goal.

Back underway at the Emirates!

Half time at the Emirates and Arsenal are in control against Coventry.

They lead 2-0.

Declan Rice strikes from the edge of the box, but his effort goes wide.