Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are ready to embrace the pressure of being the team to beat as the Premier League champions begin their title defence against Coventry on Friday.
The Gunners return to competitive action just 34 days after the conclusion of the World Cup, with Arsenal aiming to establish themselves as the dominant force in English football.
Arsenal will host Coventry at the Emirates Stadium in the opening fixture of the new Premier League season, before the remaining top-flight matches take place across the weekend and into Monday.
Arteta’s side ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season after finishing runners-up in the previous three campaigns.
With Arsenal installed as favourites to retain the crown, Arteta believes his players can handle the expectations that come with being the side everyone wants to defeat.
The Gunners strengthened their squad with the additions of Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, while Ezri Konsa is also expected to arrive from Aston Villa. Arsenal also defeated Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield last weekend.
However, Arteta insists last season’s success counts for little once the new campaign begins.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Arsenal’s long-awaited title triumph ended years of disappointment and questions over whether the club could withstand the pressure of competing for major honours.
Arteta believes that experience will prove valuable as Arsenal seek 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.
“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, meanwhile, return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years after securing promotion from the Championship.
Their return represents a remarkable turnaround following a spell in the fourth tier in 2017-18 and periods of ground-sharing with other clubs amid financial difficulties involving their stadium.
However, Coventry manager Frank Lampard accepts the club will face a difficult challenge on their return to the top flight.
“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, who finished second last season, begin their campaign at home to Bournemouth on Sunday as they prepare for life without Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola stepped down at the end of last season after a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad Stadium, during which he won 20 major honours.
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has taken on the challenge of filling his shoes.
Liverpool’s new manager Andoni Iraola will also take charge of his first Premier League game on Sunday when the Reds travel to Newcastle.
Iraola was appointed to replace Arne Slot after Liverpool endured a disappointing fifth-place finish last season.
Xabi Alonso will begin his tenure as Chelsea manager with a west London derby away to Fulham on Monday.
Manchester United start their campaign on Saturday against promoted Hull, who return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
Tottenham, who narrowly avoided relegation last season despite significant spending, travel to Brentford on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Europa League winners Aston Villa, who have lost several key players during the summer, face Brighton away on Sunday.
