Top News

Not since 1935 have Arsenal managed to win league titles in successive seasons.

In the period immediately after Arsenal wrapped up the Premier League crown last season, Josh Kroenke had already turned his attention to what comes next.

“We think we have a chance here to dominate,” the co-chair said.

That attempt begins on Friday night at home against Coventry, when Arsenal start the defence of their Premier League title.

Not since the 1934-35 campaign have the Gunners lifted back-to-back league titles. It is the latest long-standing milestone Mikel Arteta has been asked to bring to an end.

Here is a look at why Arsenal can feel optimistic about keeping hold of their title — and why there are also reasons for caution.

Arsenal are the favourites to retain their title, and with good reason.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are all adjusting to life under new managers and each has major issues to resolve. There is a fair case to be made that even if Arsenal simply maintain their current level, it could still be enough this season.

The Gunners have continuity under Arteta and a blueprint they know delivers results. They may not always reach their absolute best, but the team’s minimum standard is now extremely high — Arsenal are rarely outplayed heavily.

Bruno Guimaraes looks an outstanding signing and settled in straightaway in the Community Shield. He can operate alongside Declan Rice, while also giving Arsenal the option to rest the England midfielder.

Guimaraes raises the side’s technical quality and can move the ball forward quickly, which should suit Martin Odegaard and the attacking players.

Ezri Konsa, meanwhile, appears to be smart business, offering cover in two defensive roles and capable of fitting in immediately thanks to his Premier League experience.

Much has been said about Arsenal’s need to add more firepower in attack, but there are valid reasons to think the forwards already at the club could be sufficient.

Arsenal won the league last season despite Bukayo Saka not being fully fit through much of the second half of the campaign.

Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz both spent lengthy periods sidelined through injury, while Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke offered almost nothing in terms of Premier League goal involvements. Even so, Arsenal still won the title.

If Arsenal can keep players such as Saka, Havertz and Odegaard available, their attack should improve significantly, especially with Christos Tzolis already appearing to be an upgrade in the wide areas.

This is also a club that may finally be released from the crushing pressure it has carried for the past four seasons. That applies to the players, the coaching staff and the supporters. No title will have been as mentally demanding to win as last season’s.

If Arsenal are right in the middle of the race in April and May, they now know they can get over the line. The sense of burden that has been removed from everyone at the club should not be underestimated.

This is a much tougher argument to put together. Right now, most signs suggest Arsenal should feel confident about winning the title again.

Even so, one major concern is the long-term absence of William Saliba, who is expected to be sidelined for months.

The France international is one of the finest centre-backs in world football and is not someone who can be replaced easily.

Cristhian Mosquera has genuine promise, but it would be unfair to expect him to match the calmness and consistency Saliba has shown. Gabriel, too, will miss the reassuring presence of his regular central defensive partner.

Arsenal’s title challenge fell away in the 2022-23 season when Saliba got injured. They are now a far stronger side with much greater depth, but his absence will still be deeply felt.

That issue is made more significant by the fact that Jurrien Timber is also unavailable and remains “weeks” away from returning after minor groin surgery during the summer.

Higher up the pitch, Arsenal have not fully built on their position of strength as champions by bringing in a genuine superstar.

There may be enough quality to get the job done through shared goal contributions, but the Gunners still do not have an out-and-out goalscorer leading the line.

Although Viktor Gyokeres scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, he still appears to be a slightly awkward fit for this team and the way Arsenal want to play.

There is also the issue of fatigue. Declan Rice played 69 matches for club and country last season. Neither he nor Saka has started a match yet since linking up with Arsenal ahead of the new campaign.

Including Konsa, the Gunners had 16 players at the World Cup and nine of them were involved until the final weekend.

After an exhausting season in which Arsenal challenged on all four fronts, asking this squad to do it all over again will be a serious test.

That also raises the question of motivation. After finishing second in three straight seasons, Arsenal finally scaled their Everest and won the title.