Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are embracing the pressure of defending their crown as the new Premier League season gets underway against newly promoted Coventry City.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says his side are ready to embrace the pressure of being the team to beat as they begin their Premier League title defence on Friday.

The champions will open their campaign at home against newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium, with Arteta insisting Arsenal must maintain the hunger and ambition that helped them secure the title last season.

Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season after finishing runners-up in the previous three campaigns.

The Gunners have also strengthened their squad ahead of the new season, with Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis joining the club, while Ezri Konsa is also set to arrive. They also began the new campaign in impressive fashion with a 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield.

Arteta said Arsenal must approach the new season with the same determination that helped them win the league.

“If you give me the choice, I want to be first, I want to be hunted,” he said, stressing that the club must continue to improve rather than rely on last season’s success.

Coventry, meanwhile, return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years after securing promotion from the Championship.

Manager Frank Lampard acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing his team, warning that Coventry will endure difficult periods as they compete against some of England’s biggest clubs.

Elsewhere, Manchester City will begin life after Pep Guardiola with a home clash against Bournemouth on Sunday, while Liverpool’s new manager, Andoni Iraola, will take charge of his first Premier League match against Newcastle.

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso will make his competitive debut against Fulham on Monday, while Manchester United visit promoted Hull and Tottenham travel to Brentford on Saturday.

With several clubs entering new eras and others strengthening their squads, the Premier League returns with Arsenal carrying the pressure of defending their crown and their rivals determined to knock them off the top.