Arsenal Eye 2nd Straight Premier League Title as 9 Clubs Start Season With New Managers
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 21
Arsenal Eye 2nd Straight Premier League Title as 9 Clubs Start Season With New Managers
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 21
Summary
Friday’s opener against Coventry starts with Arsenal seeing a rare title opening: Mikel Arteta’s side return as champions while most major rivals enter the season amid managerial or squad upheaval.
Nine Premier League clubs have new managers, and among the traditional Big Six only Arsenal avoid a dugout reset, leaving Arteta—appointed in December 2019—as the division’s longest-serving coach.
Arsenal’s confidence was sharpened by last season’s finish, when they ended a 22-year title wait after Manchester City surrendered a nine-point comeback bid with draws at Everton and Bournemouth.
Bruno Guimarães has strengthened the squad, Ezri Konsa is close, and Arsenal also changed head doctor in pursuit of marginal gains they believe can keep players fitter over the campaign.
City still loom with Erling Haaland, but Pep Guardiola’s exit and departures including Rodri and Bernardo Silva reinforce Arsenal’s belief that the balance of power may be shifting.