With the dawn of a new season, Mikel Arteta reflects on the forthcoming challenge that lies in Manchester City and the importance of the Community Shield face-off at Wembley.

• Mikel Arteta sees the Community Shield match as a chance for Arsenal to prove their advancements from the previous season.
• Manchester City are identified as the team to beat this season after their Treble win.
• The last encounter saw City secure a dominant 4-1 win over Arsenal, but Arteta hopes for a revitalised performance from the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta speaks ahead of the Wembley showdown

In the lead-up to what promises to be a pulsating start to the new football season, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledges the daunting challenge that Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, present.

Arteta said in his pre-match press conference, “We’re very excited to play a final and have the opportunity to win a trophy against a team that is the team to beat. They were the best team in Europe last season, and we know what the standards are.”

There’s no denying that Manchester City have asserted their dominance in English football.

Last season, their treble-winning exploits left many teams, including Arsenal, in their wake.

Moreover, their recent history against the Gunners makes for a challenging read for any Arsenal supporter.

Arteta further added, emphasising the weight of the game, “This is what we want, to be on every front fighting for trophies. We have to prove that what we did last year was something, but it wasn’t enough to win the biggest trophy.”

Few can argue that a fixture against Manchester City does not serve as the ideal yardstick to measure one’s prowess. The Sky Blues, who overhauled Arsenal to lift the Premier League trophy, reflect the gold standard in English football.

Speaking of the upcoming match, Arteta, a former City assistant coach, conveyed his respect for his previous employers. “They’ve shown their consistency over the years, and they merit respect from everybody for what they’ve done.”

The memory of the last encounter still remains fresh. Arsenal’s 4-1 loss at the Etihad last April was not just a tactical defeat but also a psychological one, effectively tilting the balance in the title race.

Mikel Arteta ruminated on that game, “The game started in a way that we didn’t want, and they were better in every department. For us to win the trophy on Sunday we’re going to have to be much, much better than we were then.”

With the curtain-raiser on the horizon, Arsenal and Arteta are gearing up, not just for a trophy but for a statement of intent.

As the teams line up at Wembley, it promises to be more than just a game; it’s a narrative of two teams, one at their peak and another striving to reclaim past glory.