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Arteta eager to build on Coventry win as Arsenal aim to defend EPL title
22nd August, 2026 07:08 AM
Mikel Arteta is pleased with Arsenal’s impressive start to the 2026/27 season and is looking forward to using the upcoming break between matches to further develop his team.
The Gunners made it two consecutive 3-0 victories within five days after comfortably overcoming Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on Friday night, August 21, 2026. Their campaign had begun with an equally convincing Community Shield triumph over Manchester City in Cardiff, setting the tone for a promising season.
Against Coventry, Arsenal quickly established control by taking a two-goal advantage before Martin Odegaard completed the scoring shortly after the interval. Their performances have been marked by efficient finishing, defensive solidity and a strong collective understanding.
Arteta is particularly encouraged by the manner in which his team has adapted despite several players returning late from the World Cup, while a number of new arrivals are still becoming accustomed to the squad.
10-day break
Arsenal now face a 10-day wait before returning to action against Aston Villa on Monday Night Football, August 31, 2026. Rather than seeing the gap as a setback, Arteta views it as an opportunity to work intensively with his players and raise their performance level.
Speaking after the Coventry victory, Arteta said: “I’m extremely happy. There was a lot to like in that performance right from the beginning. I think we were really dominant, so connected between each other – the ball flew from one side to the other really fast. The players were playing with such a purpose and decisiveness to hold the position.
“It wasn’t only the result but the performances that we put in that have been really impressive. There’s still a lot to improve in many areas. We’re going to now have some days to train with some of them that they haven’t really had a chance to do so.
“I can’t wait to prepare for the next game. We have three different groups in pre-season with international players arriving and we’re going to take the opportunity to go to another level.”
Konsa’s aarival
Another important development for Arsenal was the arrival of Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa. The England international completed his transfer just hours before the Coventry match and gives Arteta additional defensive options.
Konsa’s arrival is especially timely because Arsenal have been dealing with injuries in defence. His versatility and experience are expected to provide greater depth as the season progresses, with his first return to Villa Park now approaching.
Explaining what Konsa can contribute, Arteta said: “Depth and quality. Obviously, we were extremely short in the defensive line with the injuries of Wilo and Jurrien. We only have four, sometimes five, players in the defensive line, so it was a huge risk to take so we were trying to recruit.
“The club has done unbelievably well Andrea [Berta] the same. We have a player that we admire, that we wanted. The boys have done very well seem very, very happy to have him.”
With two convincing victories already secured, Arsenal have made an encouraging start. Arteta will now look to use the additional training time to sharpen his side further before the next test against Villa.
