Champions Arsenal embrace being 'hunted' as Premier League returns

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his team's willingness to be hunted down by their rivals during the upcoming Premier League season, which starts with an opening match against Coventry on Friday. The Gunners, who clinched their first league title in 22 years last season, are eager to prove they remain the top force in English football. Arsenal's opening games will be played at the Emirates Stadium before an array of high-stakes matches on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Arteta's side, bolstered by new signings Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis, and the recent arrival of Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, is confident in their ability to handle the pressure that comes with being the top team. The manager emphasized that they must demonstrate their ambition and desire to improve upon their last season's performance. Arteta stated, "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 acknowledged that the road to back-to-back titles, which Arsenal last achieved in the 1930s, will be a long and arduous journey. "We need to breathe because it's going to be a long marathon," he said, emphasizing that the team's growth and evolution will be crucial in their quest for success.

Meanwhile, Coventry City, who returned to the Premier League after a 25-year absence, will face a challenging start to their new chapter. Manager Frank Lampard admitted that the team will encounter tough times due to the fierce competition they now face. Even Manchester City, the runners-up from last season, will begin their campaign without their former manager, Pep Guardiola, who left the club at the end of the season.