Mikel Arteta has claimed that Arsenal’s rivals are also in an ‘excited’ mood heading into the new season, seemingly downplaying the expectations on his side.
The Gunners have strung together a series of consecutive wins in pre-season, including 4-0 and 6-0 wins over Chelsea and Sevilla, while our new striker has bagged himself seven goals also.
Naturally this has built up expectations for our fans heading into the new campaign, on top of a busy summer window which has seen a number of exciting players added to the playing squad, and after just missing out on the top-four last time around, the hope is that we can improve on that in the coming season.
The boss is keen to lower the expectations a little however by claiming that other teams also have reason to be excited heading into the new term, before stating our intention to be ‘at the top of the table’.
“It’s great that people are excited,” Arteta told Arsenal Media. !But there is a big excitement across the Premier League because a lot of clubs have done a lot of business, getting stronger and stronger. The competition is really big, we focus on what we can do, what we want to do and we want to be at the top of the table.”
It is hard to keep our expectations low after an impressive transfer window backed up by an even better pre-season, but in such a strong division we must anchor ourselves a little.
We outdone expectations last term, despite feeling let down by a painful end to the campaign, and we have to take that into account also.
While I hope for an improvement on last year, I’m sure we’re all a little worried that other teams will have a resurgence to deny us that long-awaited Champions League return we have been craving.
Which teams are you most worried about in the race for the top four?
Patrick
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Yes, we’ve done some good business this summer but I still feel we are two additions short for us to be top four contender. We need a top DM for sure. Xhaka WILL let us down, guaranteed! If Pepe leaves (Which I hope he does) we will need provide good cover. We do have extra experience in Jesus and Zinchenko but is that enough? Saliba is like a new signing also but can he adapt quickly to the EPL? Time will tell..
Dm and Gakpo as well.
Yes .. everywhere is buzzing the EPL is kicking off tonight and my darling arsenal is part of the opening ceremony…..but personally I think is going to be tough not only for us but all other teams, depth, balance and injury free team will make it to the top just hope all these stick 8n our favour whilst we do the business of being fearless and consistent
Let’s do this boys our first 3points it’s possible…..bless up
He’s right that it gets harder. Newcastle are now the richest club thanks to a takeover being sanctioned by the PL that was rather questionable in my personal opinion.
But although a number of clubs have changed their playing staff and/or manager (and even owner) since the start of last season, it remains to be seen who has actually “strengthened” as opposed to just “changed”.
Liverpool seem to have wisely moved on some stirkers getting past their best and brought in a replacement. But tme will tell how well that works out.
I’m not convinced by Chelsea. The changes ringing out there look like a possible death knell.
And City… another couple of additions, no nPL-experienced striker. Two good players out to Arsenal won’t do them any favours either. They may not have got all the minutes of playing time they wanted at City (who does?) but Guardiola wanted them to stay and they were important players, if not “key players”.
Man Utd seem all over the place still, their manager has a tough job on his hands. I see Ronaldo as a negative force in terms of squad harmony.
Spurs… anything could happen there. I’ll be surprised if Conte lasts, but he might make it through this season.
I suspect there will be surprises this season – not a re-run of last season with every club being automatically better just because they spent some money.
Am not going to judge or predict anything based on last season performances, it’s a new season now and a lot has happened since the end of last season. What is obvious is that, new season comes with expectations and all. But, I want to judge the teams based on their performances from today to the end of the season. The league is open, top 4 is open and there’s no favorite. All that matters is how many 3points you are able to get. Whoever we play against tonight is pointless to me. Come boys let’s get started tonight with the first 3points.
Motivating the team through preseason was good but then it makes opposing teams prepare harder,
Meanwhile we seriously need a powerful DM, dreams of Partey-Tielemans-Xhaka/Ødegaard,
Who says Marquinhos won’t light up the stage, I have that feeling he will,
Here’s to winning tonight.