Arsenal, the defending Premier League champions, say they are ready to embrace the pressure of being “hunted” as the new season begins. Multiple outlets report that manager Mikel Arteta frames the role of champions as one where opponents target them, and he expects the team to handle that attention as the league gets under way.
The reports agree that Arsenal’s first match is against newly promoted Coventry. The Express Tribune, The Hindu, and NDTV all specify that Coventry City is the opponent in the season opener, with NDTV noting the match is set for Friday. Across coverage, the emphasis is on Arteta’s comments about responding to heightened scrutiny and rivalry after winning the previous season, rather than any dispute over match details or broader league developments.
