3 key takeaways as Arsenal cruise past Coventry 3-0 to kick-off their title defence

Arsenal cruised past Premier League newbies Coventry City to get up and running for the new season with three points.

A brilliant first half saw Kai Havertz and then Bukayo Saka score before Martin Odegaard sealed things just after half-time.

It was the perfect start for Mikel Arteta and one he’ll have been delighted with as well.

For us fans, it was also a brilliant welcome back to league football and with that in mind, there were THREE big takeaways for us.

Martin Odegaard remains crucial to Arsenal

For one reason or another, there has been consistent talk over the years of Arsenal moving on from their skipper and looking for new blood.

However, on this evidence, Odegaard once again showed just why he’s so important to Arsenal.

Not only does he lead by example in everything he does, but he is also the player who anything Arsenal do good goes through.

Time and again he knitted the play together and against a Coventry side nowhere near the quality of the Gunners, Odegaard made it look easy.

If Arsenal are to be champions again, then Odegaard will once again be key.

Christos Tzolis is the real deal

There’s been so much talk all summer of a new signing on the left side and even after Tzolis signed, the Gunners went all in for Vinicius Jr.

However, on this evidence and last week’s Community Shield win, Tzolis is going to lead Arsenal.

The new addition was brilliant yet again, created countless chances and half chances and gave Coventry’s backline a wretched time all night.

On his first few performances alone, Arsenal have got themselves a serious bargain in Tzolis.

Ben White is going to be unfortunate now Ezri Konsa has signed

The signing of Ezri Konsa is a good one for Arsenal as a whole but you have to question where this leaves Ben White.

He was excellent again tonight, continuing on from last year where he finished strong. White got himself another assist, was part of a defence that never looked like conceding, and marauded forward well.

It’s going to be a difficult chat for Mikel Arteta to have when it comes to leaving White out. Not to mention the decision he’ll have to make when both Konsa and Timber are available for selection.

White did himself no harm. But it would still be no surprise to see him move on before the window closes.