Gunners begin title defence against Coventry as Arteta welcomes pressure of being the team to beat.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says his side are ready to embrace the pressure of being “hunted” as they begin their Premier League title defence against newly promoted Coventry on Friday.
The Gunners ended a 22-year wait for the league title last season after finishing runners-up in the previous three campaigns. Arteta, however, insists his players must start from scratch and prove they still have what it takes to retain the trophy.
“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,” Arteta said.
Arsenal strengthened their squad with the additions of Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, while Ezri Konsa is expected to join from Aston Villa. They also defeated Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield last weekend.
Arteta said Arsenal must maintain their hunger and continue improving if they are to win consecutive league titles for the first time since the 1930s.
“We need to breathe because it’s going to be a long marathon,” he said.
Coventry return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years after securing promotion from the Championship. Manager Frank Lampard acknowledged the difficulty of competing in the top flight but said his team must be prepared for tougher challenges.
Elsewhere, Manchester City begin life after Pep Guardiola against Bournemouth on Sunday, while Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola takes charge of his first league game against Newcastle.
Chelsea, under new manager Xabi Alonso, face Fulham in a West London derby on Monday, while Manchester United visit promoted Hull on Saturday.
Tottenham travel to Brentford, while Europa League winners Aston Villa visit Brighton as the new Premier League season gets underway.