Champions Arsenal embrace being ‘hunted’ as Premier League returns

Arsenal kicks off the new Premier League season on Friday, aiming to cement their status as England's top club by defending their title. Manager Mikel Arteta stated that the team will embrace being "hunted" by their rivals, viewing it as a sign of their elevated position in the league.

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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.

Just 34 days after the conclusion of a captivating World Cup, the Premier League returns with Arsenal, the champions, facing Coventry City in the opening fixture. Arsenal secured their first Premier League title in 22 years last season, ending a three-year streak as runners-up. Now installed as the bookmakers' favorites, they appear well-positioned to repeat their success, especially amidst uncertainties surrounding their main challengers.

Arsenal demonstrated their intent by defeating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield. Arteta remains confident that his squad, strengthened by new signings Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, and with Ezri Konsa expected to join, can manage the pressure of being the team everyone aims to beat. "We start from scratch, from zero, and we're going to have to prove that 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."

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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 believes that winning the league last season, after numerous near-misses that raised questions about the team's character, was a crucial step. He anticipates that surviving that test of resolve will benefit their pursuit of Arsenal's first back-to-back titles since the 1930s. "We need to breathe because it's going to be a long marathon," he noted, expressing confidence in the team's ability to improve and evolve.

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We need to breathe because it's going to be a long marathon.

Coventry City's return to the Premier League after a 25-year absence marks a significant achievement for the club, which has overcome financial difficulties and periods in lower divisions. Despite the uplifting narrative of their promotion, Coventry manager Frank Lampard acknowledged the challenges ahead, admitting, "We will go through tougher times this year for sure."

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We will go through tougher times this year for sure becau