LONDON - Arsenal made a commanding start to their Premier League title defence with a 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City, while Hull City produced the opening weekend’s biggest surprise by defeating Manchester United 2-0 on their return to the top flight after nine years.
At the Emirates, Arsenal dominated from the outset and took the lead after 15 minutes when Kai Havertz calmly converted a Riccardo Calafiori cross from the edge of the area. New signing Christos Tzolis then made an immediate impact on his league debut. The Greek winger burst forward after receiving the ball from Declan Rice before delivering a low cross that goalkeeper Carl Rushworth could only parry into the path of Bukayo Saka, who tapped home Arsenal’s second in the 23rd minute. Captain Martin Odegaard effectively settled the contest four minutes after the restart, scoring with a scuffed finish that wrong-footed Rushworth.
Arsenal continued to create opportunities and could have won by a wider margin. Tzolis was particularly impressive, repeatedly troubling Coventry’s defence with his pace, movement and ability to cut inside. He received a standing ovation when replaced in the 76th minute. “It was a great result and there was a lot to like,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said, praising his side’s dominant start. The victory gives Arsenal an ideal platform as they attempt to win consecutive top-flight titles for the first time since 1935. Their major rivals are expected to include Manchester City and Liverpool.
At the MKM Stadium, newly promoted Hull stunned United with two first-half goals. Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, converting a rebound after Oli McBurnie’s effort from a corner was parried by Senne Lammens. Hull doubled their advantage seven minutes before half-time when Nobel Mendy powered a header past Lammens from Regan Slater’s free-kick.
United struggled to respond despite introducing Marcus Rashford, making his first appearance for the club since December 2024, as a second-half substitute. Bryan Mbeumo came closest to pulling one back in the 78th minute, but his effort was comfortably saved by Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakís.
United captain Bruno Fernandes admitted that Hull’s intensity and strength at set pieces had proved decisive. For Hull, the victory was their first league win over United in 52 years and a memorable return to the Premier League. “It was amazing,” Ajayi said after scoring the opener.
RESULTS
Arsenal 3-0 CoventryHull 2-0 Man UnitedEverton 2-0 PalaceIpswich Town 2-0 Sunderland
Leeds 1-0 Nottm Forest
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