Arteta Embraces ‘Hunted’ Status as Arsenal Begin Premier League Title Defence

Posted : 21 August 2026

Mikel Arteta has welcomed the pressure that comes with being Premier League champions, insisting Arsenal would rather be the team everyone is chasing as they begin their title defence against newly promoted Coventry City on Friday.

Arsenal enter the new campaign as the reigning champions after finally ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League trophy last season. Having finished second in each of the previous three campaigns, the Gunners now face the challenge of becoming champions in consecutive seasons for the first time since the club's dominant period in the 1930s.

Arteta knows expectations have risen considerably, particularly after Arsenal were installed among the leading favourites to retain the title. The manager, however, believes his squad should embrace rather than fear the increased attention.

The Spaniard stressed that last season's achievements count for nothing once the new campaign begins. Arsenal must demonstrate the same hunger and ambition again if they are to remain at the summit, while continuing to improve throughout what Arteta described as a demanding marathon.

The champions have already sent an early warning to their rivals, defeating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield. The emphatic victory provided further encouragement ahead of the league opener and strengthened the belief that Arsenal are ready for another title challenge.

Arsenal have also strengthened their squad during the summer, bringing in Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and winger Christos Tzolis. The club is also pursuing further defensive reinforcements, with Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa among the players linked with a move to north London.

The opening fixture brings an intriguing contrast. Coventry return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years after earning promotion from the Championship, marking a remarkable revival following their difficult spell outside the top flight. Frank Lampard's side, however, know they face an enormous challenge against the defending champions at the Emirates.

While Arsenal begin the season seeking to consolidate their position, several of their main rivals are starting new chapters. Manchester City will play their first league campaign since Pep Guardiola's departure, with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca taking over at the Etihad. Liverpool have also appointed Andoni Iraola following a disappointing fifth-place finish last season.

Chelsea will begin the Xabi Alonso era with a west London derby against Fulham on Monday, while Manchester United open against newly promoted Hull City. Tottenham, who endured a difficult campaign last season, travel to Brentford, and Aston Villa visit Brighton.

For Arsenal, however, the immediate objective is clear: start strongly and prove they deserve to remain at the top. Arteta insists he would choose the pressure of being hunted over relying on the results of others, making the champions' mindset clear from the very beginning of their title defence.

Arteta Embraces ‘Hunted’ Status as Arsenal Begin Premier League Title Defence

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