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‘The will to be better’ - Mikel Arteta hails Arsenal squad as Gabriel Martinelli gets a blunt transfer signal

Arsenal launched the defence of their Premier League title in emphatic style with a commanding 3-0 win over newly promoted Coventry City. After the result, manager Mikel Arteta praised the hunger shown by his side, while the omission of fringe players such as Gabriel Martinelli has been widely viewed as a strong indication about their immediate future.

Arsenal ease past Coventry

Arsenal recorded a straightforward 3-0 victory over Coventry City on Friday to begin their Premier League season. Kai Havertz opened the scoring in the 15th minute, carrying on from where he had finished last season. Bukayo Saka then doubled the advantage after a slick move started by Declan Rice, before captain Martin Odegaard made it 3-0 soon after the interval.

Reflecting on the performance, Arteta said: "A lot to like in the performance. Clarity, understanding and flow." He also spoke warmly about his goalscorers, adding: "When we talk about attacking input, we missed those players for a lot of months, and when we have them there, that is a bonus."

Tzolis looks like a cheat code

Christos Tzolis made an immediate impression with an energetic display on the left wing, producing an important assist on his competitive debut. The Greece forward, signed for £34 million this summer, already appears to be an outstanding addition. Football London said Tzolis functions like an ‘assist cheat code’ and brings remarkable efficiency in the final third. Speaking after the match, Arteta praised the winger, saying: "Well I love that player, as a player who has been here for a few weeks. I think he has earned it. The way he has played in the last few games has been phenomenal. He has an incredible variety of actions in the final third."

Arteta sends a brutal message

Although the starting XI impressed, the match offered a worrying sign for Martinelli. Football London described the Brazilian’s total absence from the matchday squad as a brutal transfer message, echoing the firm position seen during the Community Shield. Senior names such as Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson were also left out entirely. Speaking about the mentality within his squad, Arteta explained: "What we did transmit is more desire, and the will to be better. To be better than anyone else." He also moved to end talk of possible new signings, saying: "I am really happy with the squad. We already have a lot of great players."

What next for Arsenal?

Arsenal will now turn their attention to a tough away game against Aston Villa on August 31. With the transfer deadline nearing, the club have important decisions to take over possible departures involving players such as Martinelli and Nelson. Arteta will need to make sure his squad is ideally balanced to come through another demanding campaign.