Mikel Arteta said Arsenal will embrace being “hunted” by their title rivals as the new Premier League season kicks off with the champions facing Coventry on Friday.

🇳🇬 Here's What Happened

Just 34 days after a captivating World Cup came to an end, the Premier League returns with Arsenal aiming to cement their position as English football’s preeminent force.

The Gunners have the honour of playing the opening game of the season at the Emirates Stadium, before a packed slate of top-flight matches across Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Arteta’s side won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years last season, finally getting their hands on the trophy after finishing as runners-up for the previous three years.

📌 Key Details

Installed as the bookmakers’ title favourites this term, Arsenal look well placed to reign supreme again, especially given the questions surrounding their title challengers.

They routed Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield last weekend to send a statement of intent to the chasing pack.

Bolstered by new signings Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, with Ezri Konsa set to join from Aston Villa, Arteta has no doubts Arsenal can cope with the pressure of being the team everyone wants to beat.

“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 said.

“We need to show that desire, and the ambition to be better than what we were last season, a month ago, a week ago.

“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.”

📰 Source: Punch Nigeria