Mikel Arteta heaped praise on new signing Christos Tzolis after Arsenal opened their Premier League title defence with a 3-0 win over Coventry City, while the Gunners boss also dismissed reports Bruno Guimaraes faces weeks on the sidelines. The Gunners cruised to victory over newly promoted Coventry thanks to goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.Tzolis, who had two assists in Arsenals 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield last weekend, was impressive once again in his first league game at Emirates Stadium.The Greece international produced the cross that led to a tap-in for Saka for the second goal, and Arteta is delighted with what he has seen from Tzolis to this point.The way he has played in the last few games has been phenomenal, Arteta told his post-match press conference. He has an incredible variety of actions in the final third.Arsenal boss rejects Guimaraes reportsGuimaraes, Arsenals marquee signing from Newcastle United, missed the game due to a hamstring injury.There have been reports that Guimaraes could be facing a prolonged absence, but Arteta assuaged such concerns.We expect that not to be weeks at all. Lets see how he evolves this week, Arteta replied.Praising Arsenals overall display against Coventry, Arteta told Sky Sports: There was a lot to like, we were really flowing with the ball and connected with each other. The overall performance was very positive.Coventrys first game back in the top flight for 25 years is unlikely to be one that will decide their fate as they look to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.But Frank Lampard believes there is plenty his team can take from it.Clearly a big challenge, Lampard told Sky Sports. Fantastic team, a good lesson for our boys to see the levels. They played like champions. It was a difficult game for us, the experience of it is probably good for us in terms of the stadium, the atmosphere at the start of the game, the quality that they have. When you concede goals, not great from us and thats the reality.Youll see more from us than that. Arsenal will beat a lot of teams here. There were some bits I didnt mind. The lads deserve better than that. Our support was amazing. They understand we lost the game and will learn a lesson. Topics Arsenal F.C. Coventry City F.C. Premier League Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Arsenal 3-0 Coventry City: Gunners cruise past new boys in flying start to title defence Nicholas McGee 21st August, 2026 Man United agree �70m deal for Brighton midfielder Baleba Nicholas McGee 21st August, 2026 Arsenal v Coventry City: Havertz and Saka get Gunners title defence off and running Nicholas McGee 21st August, 2026 LIVE Arsenal v Coventry: Commentary, updates, goals and stats as champions target opening-night win Jon Fisher 21st August, 2026 Arsenal v Coventry City: Confirmed line-ups as champions kick off season against returning Sky Blues Nicholas McGee 21st August, 2026 Konsa hungry for more after completing Arsenal move Nicholas McGee 21st August, 2026
