RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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It's the first game of this season, but a team can't show why they're the favorites to win the Premier League without coming out of the gates strong, and Arsenal did just that, defeating Coventry City 3-0. Getting out to a 2-0 lead by halftime thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz. Martin Odegaard would add another goal in the second half to get to the final margin of victory, kicking off the season on the right foot.
It was a lineup that included Saka, Havertz, and Martin Odegaard, something that was rarely seen together last season. In fact, with Havertz starting the season with an injury and Saka ending the season with one, they only started together four times in all competitions, a number that Mikel Arteta will want to see rise in the new season, and the stats facing Coventry are a good reason why.
Arsenal were still a strong defensive side, not allowing a shot on goal until the 86th minute of play when Jack Rudoni tested David Raya with a speculative effort, but they were dynamic in attack, playing on the front foot from the first minute straight through to the final whistle. A lot of that was the old guard of the Gunners, but new signing Christos Tzolis also continues to push to make the left wing his own. Starting over Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli after a two-assist showing in the Community Shield.
With two shots within the first 10 minutes of play, he showed his ability to get into space and was also credited with a fantasy assist on Saka's goal after his cross was pushed into Saka's path by the keeper. While it's early, these are the kinds of things that he was added from Club Brugge for. Arsenal were interested in Vinicius Junior during the summer, and while Tzolis will not be confused with the Brazilian, they were looking for an upgrade at left wing in the worst way. If Tzolis adapts to life in England quickly it will be a huge boon for the Gunners' title defense.
The Premier League is quite a step up from playing in Belgium for Club Brugge, but Tzolis was involved in 51 goals last season, including eight in Champions League play. Even if you factor in regression coming to a tougher league, this is a player who has something to bring to the squad. It's always good to get off to a good start, and so far, so good for both Tzolis and Arsenal.
Despite not having Jurrien Timber and William Saliba in the XI as both deal with injuries, the Gunners picked up right where they left off last season, and it's only going to get better as Bruno Guimaraes is coming to join a midfield that is already a strength for the club, and Ezri Konsa will also add to the defense once that deal is complete with Aston Villa. Manchester City and Liverpool, not to mention Manchester United and Chelsea, will likely have something to say about the title race before it's all said and done, but winning games like this one comprehensively is what will make sure that the Gunners have some room for error.
Winning the games you're supposed to and then not being overpowered in other games when you face top opposition is a route to the title, and facing a newly promoted side, Arsenal did what you would expect. It shows how tough the jump to the Premier League is going to be for the Sky Blues, but after getting this win, it's now all attention to Aston Villa next week in what will be a much tougher match, but for now, Arteta's machine keeps rolling.
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