Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta urges stars against being title dreamers this season

Mikel Arteta says it is no good his players believing they can be title challengers this season. Now they have got to prove it.

Eyebrows were raised outside the Arsenal dressing room when it emerged at the start of last season that Arteta had told his stars be believed they had it within themselves to be Premier League champions.

Enough of them with that inner sanctum clearly believed Arteta as Arsenal were the surprise runaway leaders for most of the season.

However, the fact that Manchester City eventually managed to overhaul them and finish five points in front was sign that belief alone is not enough.

That is the new message as Arsenal prepare to face Manchester City at Wembley in the Community Shield – a match which can set an early marker about the balance of power in the season to come.

“We have not beaten City for a while so it is time to do it!” Arteta said. “We are very excited to play a final and the opportunity to win a trophy.

“We are playing against the team to beat, the best team in Europe last season. We know what the standards are.

“This is what we want. Fighting for trophies on every front and seeking to be the best but we have to prove that.

“What we did last season wasn’t enough to win the biggest trophy and we have to be better.

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“That comes from trying to be better everyday, making better decisions, playing better and deserving to win games. At the end, the outcomes will come by themselves.”

Arteta has used the summer to try to find the missing links which he believes can make up the shortfall but he accepts that even with £200m invested in proven internationals, nothing can be taken for granted.

“Could those signings make the difference – I don’t have a clue,” Arteta said.

“It is helpful. They have come from important teams and brought those experiences. The three of them are really young but have already done a lot in the game and with international football as well, which is great.

“But other teams have strengthened as well. I wish it would be that simple, but unfortunately it’s not.”

“What happened last season and what will happen this season is something you can’t compare.”

Arsenal will at least be boosted by the recovery from illness of Bukayo Saka as Gabriel Jesus begins his recovery from a knee procedure on his World Cup injury originally suffered in December.

“Bukayo was much better, he trained today,” Arteta said. “And Gabriel’s  fine.

“Obviously he was very disappointed. He was feeling really good and this issue came up which nobody expected that we had to do a little procedure.

“Unfortunately it was the best thing to do It, and as quickly as possible the better. I’m sure he will be back soon, and very fit.”

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