Arsenal kicked off their Premier League title defence in dominant fashion as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Coventry.

The job was done for the Gunners three minutes into the second-half, when Martin Odegaard made terrible contact with a shot but it somehow found a way past Carl Rushworth.

By that stage, Arsenal were already in complete control after going in at half-time two goals up.

Kai Havertz scored the first goal of the new season, firing in first-time from a Riccardo Calafiori cross, before Bukayo Saka made the most of some more unconvincing goalkeeper.

Matt Verri was at the Emirates to rate the Arsenal players...

Some lovely passes made to look incredibly easy. That was all that was required on a stress-free night. One comfortable save from a tame Rudoni header. Another Golden Glove bid up and running.

Constant threat on the overlap. Right pass was not always found but he did so when cutting it back for Odegaard to scuff in Arsenal’s third. His relationship with Saka on that right wing is telepathic.

Place in the side under threat after Konsa’s arrival but this was a really confident display. Sharp in the challenge when the ball was there to be won and mopped up well. Huge cheer when he bullied Awoniyi in one duel.

Got dragged into a wrestling match with Simms too much at times, getting turned and earning himself a booking. Not far off being a penalty. Threat in the Coventry box limited with Arsenal going short from most corners.

Arsenal need to keep him fit. Silky turn and pass to assist Havertz for his opener. Marauding runs inside created loads of space for Tzolis out wide. Solid enough defensively too.

Back with a bang. Full of running in midfield, creating the space for Arsenal’s second with a powerful, driving burst. Almost scored just before half-time, curling just wide. Progressive with his passing as Arsenal attacked with pace.

Hard to leave him out on this form. Takes risks on the half-turn but they usually come off. Coventry kept fouling him, as most teams do. Got Yirenkyi booked when knocking him off the ball and then turning to drive away.

Looked to be free of injury concerns and back to something close to his best. Alert to finish when Rushworth parried into his path. Too sharp for Dasilva and he kept cutting Coventry open from short corners. Really encouraging.

Looked almost embarrassed that he scuffed his shot that badly and it still went in. Kept things ticking over in the final third and involved in some lovely combinations with Saka and White. Also led the way for tackles.

Absolutely electric. So direct and his decision-making is brilliant. His pressing led to the first goal and it was then his ball across goal for Saka to double the lead. Ran Coventry ragged. Will score plenty and assist even more.

Great finish to open the scoring, sweeping first-time into the bottom corner. Combined nicely with those around him but a bit too keen to go down on occasion. Appeared to tire as the match went on.

Nice cameo. Good pace to his passing and looked to play the ball forward whenever possible. Energy levels much better.

Had some decent moments on the edge of the box but could not find the incisive pass.

Main role appears to be back-up to Tzolis for now, though his best moment came when skipping through the challenges centrally. We’ll forgive a terrible free-kick in stoppage time.

First minutes since the World Cup. Nearly added a fourth late on when chopping inside and forcing Rushworth into a save.