Mikel Arteta has spoken to the media following Arsenal's win over Coventry City on the opening day of the new Premier League season.
Mikel Arteta has spoken to the media
Mikel Arteta has spoken to the media(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on the goal scorers following Arsenal's 3-0 win over Coventry City. Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard, who had started just their third Premier League game together since December 2024, fired the Gunners to victory at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night.
Havertz broke the deadlock inside the opening quarter of an hour, sweeping the ball into the bottom corner. Saka doubled Arsenal's lead a few moments later when Carl Rushworth misjudged a low cross from Christos Tzolis, parrying the ball back into the danger zone.
Odegaard put the third and final nail in the coffin shortly after the break, scuffing an effort from close range on his right foot. Speaking to reporters after the game, Arteta showered the trio with praise.
The Arsenal boss said: "When we talk about attacking input, we missed those players for a lot of months, and when we have them there, that is a bonus."
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On his side's performance, Arteta said: "A lot to like in the performance. Clarity, understanding and flow. We played a team that had a long time to prepare. What we did transmit is more desire and the will to be better. To be better than anyone else."
The Spaniard added: "Let's see when we are 0-0 or losing a game. Today, the start of the game, I think we all earned it. The past, as well what really helps the team. A joy to witness and play football."
Meanwhile, speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher singled out Saka and Odegaard for praise. The Liverpool legend said: "About two years ago, I thought Saka and Odegaard would make that next step.
"For whatever reason, it's not happened due to injuries or Arsenal not being at their best. Those two were close to getting to the levels shown by Man City and Liverpool players, like De Bruyne and Haaland or Salah and Mane. They took their teams to the title.
"Arsenal won the league without them doing it. They did it by having a great defence and goalkeeper. But I still think Saka and Odegaard can get back to where they were a couple of years ago."
Carragher added: "The psychological factor of being champions now will take this Arsenal team to another level rather than buying a superstar player."
Arsenal have taken an early lead in the race for the Premier League title, climbing to the top of the table, where they'll remain until at least Saturday afternoon. Arteta will now turn his attention to the clash against Aston Villa on Monday, August 31.
The Gunners lost when they last faced Unai Emery's side at Villa Park, suffering a 2-1 defeat in December 2025.