Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is convinced this is the season his team will finally end their trophy drought.
Despite coming agonizingly close in recent years—finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons and reaching the Champions League semifinals—Arteta believes a new wave of belief and significant investment will be the difference.
The club has spent nearly £200 million on new signings, including striker Viktor Gyokeres, midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Arteta sees this as a crucial step in transforming the team from contenders to champions.
“We have been very, very close the last few seasons and the whole team is going to determine whether we achieve that or not,” Arteta said in his pre-match program notes for a friendly against Villarreal.
“But… we have to make sure that we don’t lose sight of what we have to do on a daily basis to get to the levels that we want.”
Arteta also emphasized the importance of the fans, hoping to create an “invincible” atmosphere at home that will help drive the team to victory.
Arsenal’s Premier League campaign kicks off on August 17 with a blockbuster trip to Manchester United. The match will be an early test of their new-found belief and readiness to challenge for silverware.
