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, Manchester City have stepped anxiously into life without Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard ended his remarkable 10-year reign at the end of last season. The Citizen Mikel Arteta’s side triggered a seismic shift in the Premier League’s balance of power last season, finally clinching their first top-flight title in 22 years, finishing seven points above runners-up City as they now begin their bid to win successive English titles for the first time since the 1930s. The Citizen
Arsenal arrive at the fixture on the back of an emphatic Community Shield victory, having beaten Manchester City 3-0 in Cardiff through goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard, giving Arteta’s side only five days between lifting that trophy and beginning the defence of their league crown. Dave.Sport The Friday-night clash kicks off at 8pm at the Emirates Stadium and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports as one of six matches the broadcaster is covering across the Premier League’s opening weekend. Dave.Sport
Coventry, meanwhile, arrive at the Emirates having romped to the Championship title last season, winning the division by 11 points ahead of Ipswich while boasting both the league’s top scoring attack and its meanest defence. The club has brought in six new faces for its return to the top flight, including a returning Gustavo Hamer and a permanent move for Frank Onyeka from Brentford, alongside a club-record £20 million deal for winger Loum Tchaouna. Goal.com Despite the reinforcements, Arsenal remain overwhelming favourites to take the three points on matchday one. Goal.com
The wider picture across the league heading into the new season is one of unusual turbulence. Heading into the campaign, nine clubs have new permanent managers, an unprecedented number at the start of an English top-flight season. The Pioneer The biggest vacancy to fill has been at City, following Guardiola’s departure, with Enzo Maresca now tasked with succeeding him after a disappointing Community Shield defeat to Arsenal. The Pioneer Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle also enter the season under new management, with Andoni Iraola, Xabi Alonso and Matthias Jaissle respectively taking charge of three more clubs that competed in last season’s Champions League. The Pioneer
The scale of managerial change has made Arsenal, by contrast, appear a picture of stability, with Arteta entering his seventh full season in charge as by far the league’s longest-serving manager. Washington Times Even so, questions remain over whether the champions can avoid a title hangover after their long-awaited breakthrough — though their commanding Community Shield performance has offered early reassurance to supporters. Washington Times
Chelsea have made one of the boldest statements of intent in the transfer market, with a net spend of almost $300 million as Alonso reshapes the squad, while Tottenham have committed around $300 million of their own following back-to-back 17th-place finishes. ABC News With the transfer window still open for two more weeks, further business is expected to be struck as clubs jostle for position following the World Cup. ABC News
With Arsenal seeking to become the first team since the 1930s to retain the English title in successive seasons, and much of the rest of the division rebuilding under new leadership, the coming campaign is shaping up as one of the most closely watched in recent Premier League history.
