Arsenal opened their Premier League title defence in commanding fashion with a comfortable 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on Friday.
Following their Community Shield triumph over Manchester City, the champions asserted their authority early against Frank Lampard's side, who were making their top-flight return after 25 years.
Kai Havertz broke the deadlock after 15 minutes, finishing cleanly from close range to reward Arsenal's early dominance and settle any opening-night nerves.
Bukayo Saka doubled the advantage just eight minutes later, capping off another incisive attacking move to put the visitors firmly on the back foot.
Coventry battled to establish a foothold, with Christian Yirenkyi booked for a challenge on Myles Lewis-Skelly before Gabriel Magalhães received a yellow card for fouling Ellis Simms.
Lampard's men almost pulled a goal back just before the break when Loum Tchaouna produced an audacious overhead kick that brushed the top of the net.
Any hopes of a Coventry revival were extinguished four minutes after the restart when Martin Ødegaard finished clinical fashion following an assist from Ben White.
Summer signing Christos Tzolis started for the Gunners on his club debut, while new addition Ezri Konsa was introduced to the Emirates crowd prior to kick-off.
Coventry pushed for a late response, but Jack Rudoni spurned their best second-half chance when he headed straight at goalkeeper David Raya from close range.
Arteta's side comfortably managed the remaining minutes to secure a routine opening-day win and start their title defence on the front foot.
