What You Should Know as Arsenal Begin Premier League Title Defence Today [Full Fixtures]

• Arsenal begin their title defence today as the Premier League returns.
• Arsenal face Coventry as Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea open campaigns.
• The Premier League returns today with Arsenal defending their title.

Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence today against newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners enter the campaign as champions after ending a 22 year wait for the league title last season.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Mikel Arteta has welcomed the pressure that comes with being champions and wants Arsenal to remain at the top, with the club now targeting back to back Premier League titles for the first time since the 1930s. Arsenal arrive with confidence, they beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield last weekend.

Coventry are back: Coventry return to the Premier League after 25 years away from the top flight. Frank Lampard, the former Chelsea midfielder faces Arsenal in his first Premier League game with the club.

Manchester City start a new era: City host Bournemouth after Pep Guardiola’s departure and Enzo Maresca’s appointment.

Liverpool also have a new manager: Andoni Iraola takes charge of his first competitive game against Newcastle.

Chelsea face Fulham: Xabi Alonso begins his Chelsea reign with a London derby on Monday.

Manchester United visit Hull: United open their campaign away against newly promoted Hull City.

Tottenham face Brentford: Spurs begin their campaign away from home on Saturday.

Full Premier League Matchday 1 Fixtures

Friday, August 21

Arsenal vs Coventry City, 8pm

Saturday, August 22

Hull City vs Manchester United, 12.30pm

Ipswich Town vs Sunderland, 3pm

Everton vs Crystal Palace, 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United, 3pm

Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur, 5.30pm

Sunday, August 23

Manchester City vs Bournemouth, 2pm

Brighton and Hove Albion vs Aston Villa, 2pm

Newcastle United vs Liverpool, 4.30pm

Monday, August 24

Fulham vs Chelsea, 8pm

The Premier League confirmed Arsenal and Coventry will open the new campaign at Emirates Stadium, with the 2026/27 season beginning on Friday, August 21.