Opposition watch: Three Coventry City players Arsenal must watch, including 'dangerous' forward

Arsenal take on Coventry City in the Premier League opening game at the Emirates Stadium on Friday evening.

The fixture pits last season’s Premier League champions against the Championship winners.

It will be the first meeting between the two sides since 2001, when Arsenal won 1-0 at Highfield Road.

Read on as we look at three Coventry City players the Gunners must watch out for in the contest.

Taiwo Awoniyi

Awoniyi recently joined Frank Lampard’s side from Nottingham Forest in a £9 million deal.

He has scored three goals in six matches against the Gunners, finding the net in three consecutive league games between the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, including once at the Emirates.

Awoniyi, who was described as ‘dangerous‘ by former Forest manager Vitor Pereira, may not start, but his strength, physicality and pace could pose a threat whenever he comes on.

Caleb Yirenkyi

Yirenkyi is the Sky Blues’ all-time most expensive signing, having joined the newly promoted side from Danish club FC Nordsjaelland for £23m this summer.

The 20-year-old is a powerful and technically gifted midfielder. He is adept at winning duels and playing progressive passes, making him a potential key player for the visitors.

Matt Grimes

Grimes is Coventry’s captain and led by example during their promotion to the top flight, both in and out of possession.

The 31-year-old led his teammates in big chances created, accurate passes, key passes and accurate long balls per game. He also ranked second for tackles and fourth for interceptions per game.

Other notable players include goalkeeper Carl Rushworth and forwards Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms. The latter pair were Coventry’s joint-second-highest league scorers last season.

Stats from Transfermarkt, Sofascore & Opta

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