Martin Odegaard praised his players after Arsenal got their Premier League title defence off to a dream start as they cruised past newly promoted Coventry City 3-0 but admitted that there were things they ‘could have done better’.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring against last year’s Championship winners, who are back in the top flight for the first time since the 2000/01 season, in the opening 15 minutes.
Bukayo Saka doubled the Gunners’ lead a few minutes later before Odegaard finished off an emphatic job shortly after the restart, with Coventry keeper Carl Rushworth getting his fingertips to something of a miskick but unable to keep it off the line.
Mikel Arteta’s side were in cruise control throughout and put in another dominant showing after dismantling Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield last week, with World Cup winner Mikel Merino nearly adding a fourth in stoppage time.
But this was a dispiriting return to the Premier League for the Sky Blues, with Frank Lampard aiming to simply keep his team in the to flight this season.
Follow all the reaction from the Emirates after Arsenal defeated Coventry:
Arsenal deliver statement of intent as title defence begins – but one key question remains unanswered
It will be called the performance of champions, except this was actually a throwback to well before Arsenal were champions, while suggesting much more.
And that last point is perhaps the most enticing theme from an opening-night Premier League win that was otherwise a formality; an exhibition win that was also a non-contest.
Odegaard feeling good
A final word from the Arsenal captain on his own performance and how he is feeling after an injury hit season.
He said: “Last season was a big struggle for me, I had too many injuries and was going in and out of the team.
“Sometimes you play not 100% fit, I feel good now and my body is fit, I had a good summer and World Cup.”
Neville assesses Coventry performance
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville took a look at Coventry’s performance and how they couldn’t quite match Arsenal tonight.
“I always think you can get into a defensive shape, but it’s hard to break out from when it’s a team like Arsenal, when the centre backs are pushing in,” he said,
“Coventry just didn’t have that tonight, I don’t think it was a bad result for Coventry, they hung in there, the goalkeeper will be disappointed with some of the goals but it felt like a free hit for Coventry tonight.”
‘We want to do it again’
Arsenal’s mindset isn’t to defend their Premier League title this year it is to win it again.
Martin Odegaard revealed: “For sure that’s the mindset. We don’t feel we have to defend anything.
“We want to do it again and that’s the mindset.
“Last year is finished now, we want to do it again and we want to attack it and fight for it again.”
Tzolis ‘played a brilliant game’
Christos Tzolis had a fantastic Premier League debut for Arsenal and he was praised by his captain.
“Amazing, he played a brilliant game,” Odegaard said when asked to assess his teammates’ performance.
“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.”
Arsenal ‘could have done better’
These next quotes from Martin Odegaard perhaps reveals the level Arsenal want to play at this season.
The Gunners won 3-0 and dominated throughout but the captain, who heavily praised his teammates, admitted that there ‘are things we could have done better’ in ther performance.
“It was good to get the first one, the first game can be nervy, Coventry played well and gave us a good fight, they have physical players,” Odegaard explained.
“After the first goal, we controlled the game a lot more.
“We look good, still feel like there are things we could have done better, we could be more precise and sharp around the box.”
Odegaard on rediscovering his form
More from the Arsenal captain who struggled with injuries last season.
He spoke about regaining his form and how that breeds confidence.
“I think it’s a combination of many things,” he said.
“Last season was really tough for me with injuries. First winning the league here, then having a good World Cup, feeling fit and then a good break as well, all those things put me in a good place.”
‘A perfect start’
We’ve got some reaction coming through from Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and expectedly he’s pleased with tonight’s result.
“The perfect start. It’s always good to start with a win. A win at home, three goals and a clean sheet. It was really solid.”
‘A tough baptism for Coventry’
Here’s some post match thoughts from Sky Sports pundit Ian Wright.
He said: “Arsenal look sharp, it was a tough one for Coventry.
“Going against a team who are under immense pressure to get it done.
“Arsenal had so much space, it was a tough baptism for Coventry today.”
Odegaard player of the match
Martin Odegaard was handed the player of the match award.
He was influential in midfield and got a goal. If you include his Community Shield goal too he’s already beaten his tally from last season.
The other option for player of the match was Christos Tzolis. He had a fine night even though the goals and assists didn’t come.
He was threatening throughout and rapid out on the left wing.
