Coventry City returned to the Premier League after 25 years, losing 3-0 to Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. The supporters who made the trip remained in full voice throughout, savouring a moment decades in the making against the defending champions.

Manager Frank Lampard, who succeeded Mark Robins in November 2024, framed the defeat as a learning curve. Since winning the Championship by 11 points, Coventry have spent £130m, breaking their transfer record four times. Caleb Yirenkyi arrived for a club-record £23.1m and was one of five summer signings to start at Arsenal, alongside Frank Onyeka, Aurele Amenda, Loum Tchaouna and Carl Rushworth.

Captain Matt Grimes insisted the season won't be defined by trips to elite opposition. The real test arrives next week when Hull City visit the Coventry Building Society Arena, the first of a brutal opening schedule that includes Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.

Lampard admitted the need to remain calm and secure points quickly. Returning to the top flight was hard; staying there promises to be harder.