Arsenal's first victory... Huddersfield Town knocks out United

Arsenal began their title defense in the English Premier League in ideal fashion with a comfortable 3-0 victory over returning side Coventry City on Saturday in the opening round, while the other returning team, Hull City, produced an early surprise by beating visitors Manchester United 2-0 on Sunday in the same round. Arsenal sealed the result in the first half against the team of former midfielder and current manager Frank Lampard, with goals from German Kai Havertz (15th minute) and Bukayo Saka (23rd minute), before adding a third through Norwegian captain Martin Odegaard at the start of the second half (49th minute). Spanish manager Mikel Arteta of the Gunners started new signing Christos Tzolis in the starting lineup, noting that he had also signed Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle and, just hours before the match against Coventry, defender Ezri Konsa. Winger Tzolis, who started on the left wing, reaffirmed his standing by assisting on the first two goals for the title holders, following his performance five days earlier where he provided two key assists in a 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield match. For the first time since the 2004-2005 season, Arsenal began their campaign as league champions, after years spent in the shadow of Manchester City. Arteta’s side dramatically shifted the balance of power last season when they finally secured their first Premier League title in 22 years, ending the era of French manager Arsene Wenger. Arsenal finished last season seven points clear of second-placed City, and they enter their title defense aiming to win the league for the first time since the 1930s. Arteta will not allow his players to relax after the achievement, as the painful loss to French club Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in the Champions League final in May has only heightened Arsenal’s desire to collect more trophies. Based on the emphatic 3-0 win over City in Sunday’s Community Shield, it appears the Gunners have widened the gap with their rivals since last season. Brighton play Aston Villa today, Manchester City face Bournemouth, and Newcastle United take on Liverpool. The round concludes tomorrow with Fulham hosting Chelsea.