Odegaard gushes over brilliant Tzolis after Arsenal win over Coventry | OneFootball

Arsenal wasted little time laying down the marker for their Premier League title defence.

The Gunners opened their campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, talisman Bukayo Saka and forward Kai Havertz all scored to seal the three points.

But while the established stars stole the headlines, summer signing Christos Tzolis showed he can become a key weapon for Mikel Arteta this season.

The £34 million arrival from Club Brugge produced another lively display and played a major role in Arsenal’s second goal, delivering the cross that found Saka.

His performance earned glowing praise from captain Odegaard.

“He’s amazing, he played a brilliant game,” Odegaard told BBC Sport.

“He’s so lively. It’s hard to defend against him. He’s a really intelligent player. He always looks up and finds the right pass.”

Tzolis has made quite the impression since joining Arsenal, following a superb campaign in Belgium where he registered 17 goals and 23 assists as his side won the title.

The Greece international also provided two assists in Arsenal’s Community Shield win over Manchester City and looks comfortable in Arteta’s system.

Arteta was equally impressed, praising Tzolis’ directness and ability to make things happen in the final third.

He could be a weapon for the Gunners as they look to defend their title and go a step further in the Champions League. He could prove one of the bargains of the summer.

Meanwhile, Odegaard warned rivals that they will go for the jugular this season.

“We don’t feel we have to defend anything,” he said. “We want to do it again. We want to attack it and fight for it again.”

They look like they have what it takes to deliver another sensational season after this stellar display, but Aston Villa next week will provide a sterner test of their mettle.