Arsenal start season with swagger of champions
Arsenal Football Club has begun their Premier League title defense with a convincing 3-0 victory over Coventry City. Manager Mikel Arteta continues to transform the team's culture, aiming to turn the Emirates Stadium into a formidable home ground.
Why it matters
Arsenal's strong start signals their intent to remain a dominant force in English football after ending a 22-year title drought last season.
Figure caption, Arsenal start title defence with comfortable win over Coventry
Arsenal reporter at Emirates Stadium Published 21 August 2026 Arsenal started last season as nearly men - but now they have the swagger of winners.
That much can be seen on the approach to Emirates Stadium. Above the entrance to the ground is new signage, a simple message in gold: 'Champions'.
Players and fans alike have taken the confidence of last season's Premier League title win - their first in 22 years - and are using it as the team start their bid to retain it.
The players were each given an introduction as they came out for their warm-up, while the crowd serenaded the team with "champions of England" throughout the 3-0 win over Coventry.
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