Mikel Arteta is confident Arsenal remain hungry for more silverware as they prepare to face Manchester City in the Community Shield.
The Gunners ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season, finishing seven points ahead of City, who secured the FA Cup to set up the season-opening clash at the Principality Stadium.
Arteta has enjoyed a perfect record in his four previous Community Shield appearances. He won the trophy twice as a player in 2014 and 2015 and twice as Arsenal manager in 2020 and 2023, with both managerial triumphs coming through penalty shoot-outs.
The Arsenal boss is now hoping to add another Community Shield success and believes his players share the same ambition.
“It is a trophy, it is a trophy that we can have,” Arteta said. “We won [a trophy] last year through the Premier League.
“You can tell how hungry the players are, which is a good sign.
“That is what we are going to try to do. We have a really strong opponent but we are really excited to start this season and to start with the first trophy as well.
“I sense really good energy around the players, the international players are back and we can’t wait to start competing.”
Arsenal head into the encounter unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions, recording six wins and two draws, although one of those draws ended in a penalty shoot-out defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Before that run, Arsenal had suffered four defeats in six matches, with two of those losses coming against City.
Asked whether the Community Shield would offer an indication of Arsenal’s readiness for the 2026-27 season, Arteta said the team was adapting to its preparations and circumstances.
“Well that is what we want, we are adapting to the circumstances and the preparation that we had.
“I said it the other day, I love the way the players have come back, most of them earlier than expected, really fit, we have done all the testing and they all seem in great condition and the moment they start to look at each other, I said look at the squad that we have and what we are building, it is a lot of excitement around them.”
Although Arteta reiterated that Arsenal remain interested in strengthening the squad before the transfer window closes, new Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca said his side’s immediate task is to reduce the gap between the two teams.
“Arsenal have shown in the last two or three or four, five years, that they are always there,” he said.
“It is a fantastic team from Mikel. Last year, they won the Premier League, they showed how good they are in this moment. But at the same time, we are City and we’re going to try to close the gap and compete.”
Players to Watch
Arsenal — Christos Tzolis
Tzolis has emerged as Arsenal’s major attacking addition so far, although the club is reportedly still looking to strengthen its options in the forward areas.
The Greek forward has impressed during pre-season, and another strong display could potentially influence Arteta’s recruitment priorities elsewhere.
Manchester City — Elliot Anderson
With uncertainty surrounding Rodri’s future at Manchester City, the Community Shield could provide Anderson with an opportunity to demonstrate that he can fill the potential gap left by the Spain international.
Anderson topped the Premier League last season for possession won (306), ground duels (430) and ground duels won (231). His contribution in possession will now come under greater scrutiny as he looks to take on a bigger role for City.