Arsenal and Manchester City find themselves in unusual positions heading into the Premier League season, but there is no question which of the title contenders feels more comfortable with their new status. For the first time since the 2004-05 season, Arsenal will start a campaign as English champions when they host promoted Coventry in the opening game of the season on Friday. In contrast to the buoyant mood at the Emirates Stadium, City have stepped anxiously into life without Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard ended his remarkable 10-year reign at the end of last season.
Arteta won’t let his players rest on their laurels, with the painful defeat against Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in the Champions League final in May serving to strengthen Arsenal’s desire for more silverware. Arsenal finished seven points above runners-up City and are flying high as they begin their bid to win successive English titles for the first time since the 1930s. After years spent in City’s shadow, Mikel Arteta’s side triggered a seismic shift in the Premier League’s balance of power last season as they finally clinched their first top-flight title in 22 years. “After 10 games, if we have got 10 points, 20 points, 30 points. People will be comparing it to Pep after 10 games.
It doesn’t put pressure on me,” Maresca said.
