Swaggering Arsenal want title attack, not defence

Arsenal started last season as nearly men - but now they have the swagger of winners.

That much can be seen on the approach to Emirates Stadium. Above the entrance to the ground is new signage, a simple message in gold: 'Champions'.

Players and fans alike have taken the confidence of last season's Premier League title win - their first in 22 years - and are using it as the team start their bid to retain it.

The players were each given an introduction as they came out for their warm-up, while the crowd serenaded the team with "champions of England" throughout the 3-0 win over Coventry.

Captain Martin Odegaard discussed in his programme notes how the silverware had given the team "more confidence" and said the mentality of the team is not to defend their title, but to attack it.

"We don't feel we have to defend anything," he told Match of the Day. "We want to do it again and that's the mindset.

"Last year is finished now. We want to do it again and we want to attack it and fight for it again."

Facing a newly promoted side is no easy task, as Arteta's side learned the hard way in their 2021 season opener, losing away to Brentford .