Mikel Arteta addressed reporters after Arsenal’s opening-day Premier League victory against Coventry City.
The Arsenal manager lauded his three goal-scorers following the 3-0 triumph. Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Ødegaard, who were making only their third Premier League start together since December 2024, guided the north London club to success at the Emirates Stadium on Friday evening.
Havertz opened the scoring within the first quarter of an hour, finding the bottom corner with his finish. Saka extended the advantage shortly afterwards when Carl Rushworth failed to correctly read a low cross from Christos Tzolis, pushing the ball back into a dangerous area.
Ødegaard struck the third and conclusive goal shortly after half-time, guiding an effort from his right foot from close range. Speaking to journalists post-match, Arteta offered warm words for the three players.
The Arsenal manager stated that when discussing attacking contributions, the club had been missing those players for many months, and having them available represented a significant boost.
Regarding his team’s display, Arteta noted there was much to admire in the performance, citing clarity, comprehension, and fluidity. He observed that they faced opponents who had considerable time to prepare. What the side demonstrated was greater hunger and determination to improve, to surpass everyone else.
The Spanish coach added that the outcome of the opening exchanges would reveal more, suggesting the team had earned its position through past efforts as well. He described it as a pleasure to watch and play the game.
Meanwhile, on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher highlighted Saka and Ødegaard for recognition. The former Liverpool defender observed that around two years previously, he had anticipated those two players would make the expected progression.
He explained that various circumstances, including injury issues or Arsenal not performing at their peak, had prevented this. Those two had been close to matching the standards achieved by Manchester City and Liverpool players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland or Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, who had driven their respective clubs to championship success.
Carragher noted that Arsenal had claimed the league title without those two performing at their highest level, instead relying on an excellent defensive unit and goalkeeper. However, he maintained his belief that Saka and Ødegaard could return to the levels they had shown a couple of years prior.
Carragher further commented that the psychological benefit of now being champions would elevate this Arsenal side more than acquiring a high-profile signing would.
Arsenal have established an early advantage in the hunt for the Premier League crown, moving to the summit of the standings, where they will stay until at least Saturday afternoon. Arteta will now concentrate on the fixture against Aston Villa on Monday, August 31.
The Gunners were defeated in their previous meeting with Unai Emery’s team at Villa Park, losing 2-1 in December 2025.