Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are ready to embrace the pressure of being “hunted” as the Premier League champions begin their title defence against Coventry City on Friday.
Just 34 days after the World Cup concluded, the Premier League returns with Arsenal aiming to strengthen their status as English football’s leading force.
The Gunners will open the new campaign at the Emirates Stadium before a full weekend of fixtures across Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season, finally lifting the trophy after three consecutive runner-up finishes. Now installed as bookmakers’ favourites to retain the crown, Arteta’s side enter the campaign with confidence and expectation.
Their 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City last weekend delivered an early statement of intent.
Arsenal have strengthened their squad with Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, while Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is expected to join. Arteta believes his players are prepared for the challenge of becoming the team every rival wants to beat.
“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.
“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.”
Winning the league was a defining moment for Arsenal after years of near-misses and questions over their ability to deliver under pressure.
Arteta believes that experience can help his side chase their first consecutive league titles since the 1930s.
“We need to breathe because it’s going to be a long marathon,” he said.
“We have the ability to improve, to evolve, and that’s what I sense and I feel around the club, especially around the players.”
Coventry return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years after earning promotion from the Championship.
The Sky Blues’ comeback is one of the season’s most uplifting stories. The club played in the fourth tier as recently as 2017-18 and twice had to share stadiums following financial problems involving their own ground.
However, manager Frank Lampard knows the step up will be demanding.
“We will go through tougher times this year for sure because of the competition we’re up against now,” Lampard said. “It’s just a reality that we need to be ready for.”
Manchester City, runners-up last season, begin life after Pep Guardiola when they host Bournemouth on Sunday.
Guardiola left City at the end of last season after winning 20 trophies during a remarkable decade at the Etihad Stadium. Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca now faces the difficult task of succeeding him.
Liverpool’s new head coach Andoni Iraola takes charge of his first league match away to Newcastle on Sunday. The former Bournemouth boss replaced Arne Slot following Liverpool’s disappointing fifth-place finish last season.
Xabi Alonso begins his Chelsea reign in Monday’s west London derby against Fulham.
Manchester United travel to promoted Hull City on Saturday, with Hull back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
Tottenham, who narrowly avoided relegation last season despite significant spending, visit Brentford on Saturday.
Europa League winners Aston Villa, who have lost several key players since last season, begin their campaign away to Brighton on Sunday.
