Arsenal kick off Premier League title defence against returnees Coventry City
By Neel Shelat
Reinvigorated Arsenal return as title favourites
Arsenal ended their long wait for a Premier League trophy last season, deservedly getting over the line at last. Their intense run in took a toll on the squad, with high-profile injury concerns subsequently emerging. Most of their stars then went to the World Cup, but have had some time to rest in recent weeks.
Crucially, the Gunners have invested in the transfer window to add further depth to the title-winning team. Bruno Guimarães will have an immediate impact to make after his highly-anticipated transfer from Newcastle United, while left winger Christos Tzolis looked bright in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
Equally important for Arsenal’s title chances is the fact that they have seen no big departures beyond rotation winger Leandro Trossard. With all the other major contenders bringing in new head coaches, it should be easy to see why continuity could prove crucial to Mikel Arteta’s side’s success.
Coventry City face an uphill battle to survive
Coventry City’s absence from the Premier League lasted even longer than Arsenal’s title drought, but they have finally returned after 25 years away. They were comfortably clear at the top of the Championship last season, finishing with a club-record tally of 95 points en route to the title.
Such is the gulf in quality between England’s top two tiers that the Sky Blues are still regarded among the relegation favourites in the Premier League this season, despite also keeping busy in the transfer window. Their latest signings of Taiwo Awoniyi and Sidiki Cherif took their expenditure into nine figures, with the costliest arrival being midfield talent Caleb Yirenkyi. They haven’t added a lot of proven Premier League quality, though, so Frank Lampard will need some new stars to emerge if his side are to stay up.
Team news
Arsenal will have to make do without centre-back William Saliba for a while, as he aggravated a pre-existing back injury during the World Cup. Jurrien Timber is also out for this match, though he is on track to return soon. Most of the World Cup semi-finalists played limited roles in the Community Shield, though Arteta has confirmed their full availability.
For Coventry, last season’s top-scorer Haji Wright and midfielder Jack Rudoni are not expected to feature as they have been nursing injuries through pre-season, while new signing Frank Onyeka’s status is doubtful due to a knock.
Key players
Bruno will want to stamp his authority in midfield, setting up a platform for Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard to orchestrate play in trademark fashion. Up front, Tzolis will be keen to start firing from the off on his league debut for the Gunners.
New Coventry City shot-stopper Carl Rushworth is in for a baptism of fire, as is fellow summer signing Yirenkyi in midfield. Ellis Simms, who ended his Championship campaign with a hat-trick against Watford, will likely lead the line.
Prediction
Arsenal have shown all signs of starting as they mean to go on, so they should be able to overpower Coventry City and win handily with a clean sheet.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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