Arsenal host Coventry City in the Premier League’s opening fixture as the two teams clash at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are seeking to defend their title and begin their campaign against last year’s Championship winners Coventry.
Mikel Arteta has strengthened his squad over the summer with the arrivals of Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis and Ezri Konsa, while the Gunners are still in the market for a potent left winger. Arsenal are full of confidence having dismantled Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield and they are the heavy favourites to take all three points this evening.
Coventry, meanwhile, are back in the top-flight for the first time since the 2000/01 season having spent a quarter of a century aiming to reach the heights of the Premier League once more. Frank Lampard led his team to promotion having won the second division by a margin of 11 points and the manager’s aim will be to keep the Sky Blues in the top-flight this season.
Follow all the action from the Emirates as Arsenal take on Coventry:
How can I watch the game?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
When is Arsenal v Coventry?
Arsenal host Coventry at the Emirates Stadium on Friday 21 August, with kick-off at 8pm BST.
Arsenal v Coventry
Frank Lampard’s side have the toughest possible task to kick off their return to the top flight for the first time in over two decades, particularly as the Gunners looked so impressive as they cruised to a 3-0 Community Shield win over a dispirited Manchester City side in their last outing.
Both sides have strengthened in the transfer window, although Coventry have hardly spent big – particularly in comparison to Mikel Arteta’s side, who have brought in ex-Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis as well as securing the services of Piero Hincapie permanently after a loan spell last year.
These two sides are expected to finish at opposite ends of the table but Coventry will relish the challenge against the hot favourites for the title, while after that long-awaited title the current iteration of Arsenal will aim to prove they aren’t one-hit wonders.
Good afternoon!
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League opener which sees Arsenal host newly promoted side Coventry at the Emirates Stadium.
The Premier League champions will be aiming to kick start their title defence in fine fashion while the Sky Blues will hope to bring some confidence into the game having topped the Championship last year.
It will be a difficult task for Frank Lampard’s men but heading into the match as underdogs means they have nothing to lose against Mikel Arteta’s team.
We’ll have all the updates, team news and more throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
