Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the Premier League champions are ready to embrace the pressure of being the team everyone wants to beat. They begin their title defence against Coventry City on Friday.
According to The Punch, the Gunners enter the new campaign as favourites after ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League trophy last season. They had finished runners-up in each of the previous three campaigns.
Arteta embraces hunted status
Arsenal will begin the season at the Emirates Stadium knowing their rivals are now chasing them. This is a change, as previously Arsenal were chasing others.
Arteta said he welcomes that change in status. Additionally, he wants his players to prove they possess the hunger to remain at the summit.
“We start from scratch, from zero, and we’re going to have to prove we are at the level to go back to that position again,” Arteta said.
He added that the squad must show a desire to improve on what it achieved last season. Furthermore, he urged them not to rely on their championship success.
“If you give me the choice, I want to be first, I want to be hunted, and I want to be in control of our future, rather than depending on somebody else,” he said.
Arsenal send early warning to rivals
The champions have already offered an indication of their intentions after defeating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield.
Arsenal have also strengthened their squad with Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis. Meanwhile, Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is expected to join the north London club.
Arteta believes last season’s title triumph has given his players greater confidence. This follows several years of narrowly missing out on the trophy.
However, he warned that retaining the title will require patience across a demanding campaign.
“We need to breathe because it’s going to be a long marathon,” he said.
Coventry return after 25 years
Arsenal’s first opponents, Coventry City, return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years. They secured promotion from the Championship.
Coventry manager Frank Lampard acknowledged that his side face a significant challenge as they adjust to top-flight football.
“We will go through tougher times this year for sure because of the competition we’re up against now,” Lampard said.
The opening fixture presents a sharp contrast between an Arsenal side attempting to establish itself as England’s dominant force. In contrast, Coventry are a team celebrating its long-awaited return to the Premier League.
Premier League rivals begin new eras
Arsenal’s title defence also comes amid major changes at some of their closest rivals.
Manchester City begin life without Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard stepped down. This comes after a decade in which he won 20 trophies. Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has taken charge at the Etihad Stadium.
Liverpool have appointed former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola following Arne Slot’s departure, while Xabi Alonso begins his reign at Chelsea.
With several challengers undergoing managerial changes, Arsenal enter the season with stability and momentum on their side.
But Arteta’s message is clear: last season’s success guarantees nothing. The champions must prove all over again that they deserve to remain the team everyone is chasing.
