LONDON — Champions Arsenal kick off the Premier League season on Friday reinforced by astute signings as boss Mikel Arteta welcomes the pressure of being “hunted” by their title rivals.
Just 34 days after a captivating World Cup came to an end, the Premier League returns, with Arsenal facing newly promoted Coventry at the start of their bid for a second successive title.
The Gunners have the honour of playing the opening game of the season at the Emirates Stadium, before a packed slate of top-flight matches across Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Mohamed Salah and Pep Guardiola — two of the most iconic figures in Premier League history — have left Liverpool and Manchester City respectively.
But the Premier League remains packed with world-class talent and emerging stars.
Arsenal are the cream of the crop after winning the title for the first time in 22 years last season.
Installed as the bookmakers’ title favourites this term, Arsenal look well placed to reign supreme again, especially given the questions surrounding their title challengers.
They routed City 3-0 in the Community Shield last weekend to send a statement of intent to the chasing pack.
Bolstered by new signings Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, with Ezri Konsa set to join from Aston Villa, Arteta has no doubts Arsenal can cope with the pressure of being the team everyone 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,” the Spaniard said according to AFP.
“We need to show that desire, and the ambition to be better than what we were last season, a month ago, a week ago.
“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 Premier League was a cathartic moment for the north London club after so many near-misses raised doubts about their character.
