How many can the Gunners win by in their opener? Coventry: We’re not here to sightsee, but Arsenal may not be welcoming to tourists

Arsenal open the new season against Coventry, and the biggest talking point is actually quite clear: can the defending champions smoothly switch into “back-to-back title defense” mode?

In my view, the answer leans toward—yes.

Arsenal were not only last season’s Premier League champions, but also extremely solid defensively. They conceded just 27 league goals in the 2025/26 season, then beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield. In other words, before the new season has even officially begun, they have already handed their rivals a report card saying, “We’re in good form.”

Coventry’s story is truly inspiring. After returning to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years, the team will naturally hope that Lampard can create a few surprises at the start. What’s more, promoted teams usually have one characteristic in their opening match: they run especially hard, because the season has just begun and their stamina bar is still full.

So Arsenal may not steamroll them with ease right from the start.

But as the match progresses, Arsenal’s squad depth and ability to control possession should gradually come to the fore. Especially if the Gunners score first, Coventry will have no choice but to push forward, creating more space behind them. That would suit Arsenal even better as they look to extend their advantage.

Of course, Arteta does have a minor concern. Guimaraes is currently a doubt, while Saka and Rice’s fitness will also need to be monitored.

Overall, though, I still favor Arsenal.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Coventry.

If Arsenal are only average in attack, I would put the backup score at 2-0.

I do not expect this match to be an end-to-end affair, and instead favor Arsenal taking control while Coventry sit deep defensively.

In summary: Coventry have returned after 25 years of waiting, while Arsenal welcome them as champions. Romantic as it may be, the league table does not write fairy tales.#五大联赛赛前预测官