Tzolis shines as Arsenal rout Coventry in Premier League opener

Greek winger Christos Tzolis put up an impressive performance as Arsenal made the perfect start to their Premier League title defence with a 3-0 win against Coventry in the opening game of the season at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night.

Tzolis dazzled on his first league start for Arsenal after his close-season move from Club Brugge.

The Gunners brushed aside promoted Coventry in emphatic fashion at Emirates, underlining their determination to retain the title.

Kai Havertz struck early in the first half and Bukayo Saka doubled the lead before Martin Odegaard netted after the interval to complete Arsenal’s masterclass.

The Gunners have not successfully defended the English title since the 1930s, but Arteta insisted this week his players are hungry for more silverware.

Just 89 days after rounding off their title-winning campaign with a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace in May, the champions showed no signs of being sated by that long-awaited triumph as they put Coventry to the sword.

Arsenal sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for £51m

The only downside for Arsenal was the realisation they have to wait 10 days for their next game at Aston Villa.

Worryingly for Arsenal’s rivals, they are only getting stronger and new signing Ezri Konsa was given a warm welcome when he was presented to fans before kick-off.

The England defender completed his £51 million ($69 million) move from Villa earlier on Friday and could make his debut against his old club on August 31.

Fellow new signing Bruno Guimaraes was hardly missed after being sidelined by an injury suffered in last weekend’s Community Shield win over Manchester City.