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The last time the London side retained the top-flight title was in 1935 but it took just 15 minutes for Kai Havertz to show Arsenal's intent as he coolly guided a Riccardo Calafiori cross into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the box.

New signing Christos Tzolis made the second goal eight minutes later in what was an impressive league debut for the Greek international after his signing from Club Brugge.

Tzolis was found out wide by Declan Rice after a break from defence and his quick low cross could only be parried by goalkeeper Carl Rushworth for the waiting Bukayo Saka to tap in.

Coventry, which is back in the Premier League after a 25-year absence, had to stay patient as Arsenal dominated possession, but it came close at the end of the first half with a looping overhead kick that had keeper David Raya scrambling to get back.

Arsenal effectively killed the game off four minutes into the second period when captain Martin Odegaard grabbed a third with a scuffed finish that wrong-footed Rushworth.

Mikel Arteta's side had a blizzard of other chances as they pressed forward but Coventry could have nicked a consolation goal with five minutes to go when a cross found Jack Rudoni unmarked but he could only head into Raya's arms.

Arsenal most recently attempted to retain the Premier League title in 2004-2005, eventually finishing a distant second behind Chelsea, and no Gunners ​team has successfully defended the top-flight title since winning three leagues in a row ending in 1935.

This time around it is starting its campaign as one of the few clubs untouched by a close season of managerial upheaval at many of its rivals – including Manchester City and Liverpool, which are viewed as Arsenal's most likely challengers.

It has also spent heavily again on new signings and Arteta is likely to have been particularly encouraged by the form of winger Tzolis.

The Greek international was a non-stop threat on the left-hand side, working up and down all game and beating Coventry's defenders on both the outside and when cutting in.

Tzolis hustled to initially win the ball for Havertz's goal, crossed the ball for Saka to score the second, went close himself on a number of occasions and was given a standing ovation when he was replaced by Eberechi Eze after 76 minutes.

Arsenal captain Odegaard said the win had been "the perfect start" to the season, admitting last season, despite the title win, had been a difficult one for him personally.

"Last season was a big struggle for me. I had too many injuries and weird situations and bad luck. I could never find a rhythm," Odegaard said.

"It's hard when you are in and out and not 100 per ceny fit. It was hard, but I feel good now. My body is good after a good [FIFA] World Cup and pre-season. I'm feeling 100 per cent."

On the win, the Norway star was happy.

"The first game is always a bit nervy," he added. "They [Coventry] played well, they gave us a good fight and a good battle.

"It was key to get the first goal and we controlled the game. It was solid.

"We looked good. We could have created and scored more. We can be more precise and sharper around the box. It's a good performance, but we can do even better.

"The quality in the squad is unbelievable. You can put anyone on the pitch and they can perform at the highest level. We push one another to get better."

Coventry manager Frank Lampard said it had been a tough introduction to the Premier League for his players, many of whom have never played in the top flight before.

"It's a big learning curve for the players today," Lampard said.

"Arsenal away will not define our season, it absolutely won't. But taking on the lessons absolutely will.

"Every game won't look like that. This is an Arsenal team buoyed by where they are at.

"Leeds came here [early last season] and lost, and they stayed in the Premier League. I'm not making any early judgements. We will have to acclimatise."

Coventry's second game of the Premier League season is against fellow promoted side Hull City on 30 August (AEST), at Coventry Building Society Arena, and Lampard knows getting the home fans onside early in the campaign will be crucial.

"A few years ago, this club was in League Two, playing in a different stadium. When we came in, we were 17th in the Championship," he said.

"The boys have risen; the team have risen and the connection with the fans has been amazing. They have been a huge strength for us. They have to remain that way and the lads have to give everything."