Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that this season will break the club’s cycle of near misses, as the Gunners set their sights on long-awaited silverware.
Since winning the FA Cup in his first season in 2019/20, Arteta has not lifted another trophy. However, he has reshaped Arsenal into strong contenders across all major competitions.
Under his leadership, Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League for the past three seasons and reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
Following a fresh wave of signings worth nearly £200 million, the pressure is on Arteta to deliver. Arsenal have brought in striker Viktor Gyökeres, midfielders Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard, centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, winger Noni Madueke, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
In his programme notes ahead of Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Villarreal, Arteta stated: “We know what our targets are and what we want to achieve this season — and there is a strong belief in our ability to do so.
“We’ve come very close in recent seasons, and whether we go the distance now depends on the collective efforts of the entire squad.
“But we must not lose focus on the daily work required to reach our goals. The internal standards we set must always surpass any external expectations — and that’s what we aim to achieve every single day.”
Arteta also spoke about fostering a winning mentality at home, emphasising the importance of the fans.
“We want our supporters to connect with the team from the start — to build momentum and create the feeling that we are invincible at home,” he said.
“That energy, passion and bond with the fans can help us win matches here.”
Arsenal will kick off their Premier League campaign with a high-stakes away fixture against Manchester United on 17 August.