In the first week of returning to pre-season training, Arsenal players have the mentality of champions. However, coach Mikel Arteta still maintains his usual determination. For him, the Premier League title last season is not the end point but the foundation for Arsenal to aim for more titles.
That ambition is clearly shown in the way Arteta approached the Community Shield match. Arsenal defeated Manchester City 3-0 and created an important boost before the new season. This victory is even more meaningful in the context that many of their opponents are changing dramatically both on the coaching bench and in the squad.
Arteta also wants Arsenal to continue to operate actively in the transfer market in the last weeks. Right-backs and a left winger are still prioritized positions, and The Gunners are expected to have more squad purification deals.
However, the bigger goal behind the deals is to maintain the momentum of progress. Arsenal does not want to stop after the first Premier League title under Arteta. They want to take advantage of the present time to build a long period of dominance.
The defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final last season further shows that Arsenal is still far from the European peak. However, they are facing the opportunity to defend the Premier League title and even open a new era in the league.
Arsenal is currently considered the top candidate for the championship. This largely comes from the stability that Arteta has built over the years, while a series of big opponents enter the season with significant changes.
But Arsenal understands that their current position does not guarantee success. They were under great pressure last season and at one point faced the risk of being overcome by Man City. Injuries, a tight schedule and pressure to win titles have caused them to fall into a state of tension many times.
The final championship helped the "Gunners" relieve most of that pressure. They entered the new season with greater confidence, while many key players also returned to better fitness.
Martin Odegaard is one of the most anticipated names. The Norwegian midfielder was once affected by an injury last season but is showing signs of a strong return. The goal against Man City in the Community Shield is proof of the confidence he has.
The appearance of Bruno Guimaraes also brings positive signals. The Brazilian midfielder is expected to improve his control and balance in midfield. Myles Lewis-Skelly is also considered an important part of Arsenal's plan and is unlikely to leave the club.
Sporting director Andrea Berta will have a lot of work to do before the transfer window closes. However, Arsenal has a strong enough foundation to continue competing in many arenas.
Arteta once took many years to bring Arsenal back to the position of a championship contender. Now, he wants to go further: defend the title and turn last season's championship into the beginning of a long-term successful period.
