Reigning champions Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence on Friday when they host newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium in North London, as top-flight football returns.
Just 34 days after the conclusion of the captivating World Cup, the Premier League is back, with Arsenal handed the honour of playing the opening fixture of the new season.
The Gunners will be looking to build on a remarkable campaign that saw them win the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, after finishing runners-up in the previous three seasons.
Arsenal enter the new campaign as bookmakers’ favourites to retain the title, with manager Mikel Arteta’s side already sending a strong message to their rivals by beating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield last weekend.
The champions have also strengthened their squad with the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, while Ezri Konsa is expected to join from Aston Villa.
Arteta, however, insists Arsenal must start again and prove themselves if they are to remain at the top.
“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.”
While Arsenal begin their campaign at home, several other Premier League giants face significant challenges as the new season unfolds.
Liverpool’s new manager, Andoni Iraola, will take charge of his first match on Sunday when the Reds travel to Newcastle. Iraola was appointed after Arne Slot was sacked following Liverpool’s disappointing fifth-place finish last season.
At Chelsea, Xabi Alonso will officially begin his reign on Monday with a west London derby against Fulham.
Manchester United start their campaign on Saturday away to promoted Hull City, who return to the top flight for the first time since 2017.
Tottenham, who narrowly avoided relegation last season despite their heavy spending, travel to Brentford, while Europa League winners Aston Villa visit Brighton on Sunday after losing several key players during the summer.
With Arsenal beginning their title defence at the Emirates and several major clubs entering the season under new managers or renewed pressure, the Premier League returns with the stage set for another fiercely contested campaign.
