Arsenal know they are expected to compete in multiple competitions this season and the players and staff are not scared of saying they need to win a trophy.
Different versions of the phrase ‘getting to a new level’ were used by Arteta and others throughout pre-season, with signs mentioning similar at the team’s kit launch on a rooftop in Singapore.
Arteta does not like the word friendlies and sees the games they have played before the start of the Premier League season as “tests”.
The intensity and sharpness was noted by opponents and the evolution of the Arsenal side could be seen from the first game against AC Milan.
Arsenal started with Ethan Nwaneri in a central role which seems to be the strongest area of Arsenal’s squad this season with Rice, Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino also options.
Madueke has been signed from Chelsea to play on the wings, a position where Nwaneri broke into the side, but he is a natural midfielder and his pathway into the team seems to be there.
One of the key takeaways from Arsenal from their five summer matches is a more direct approach.
The Gunners scored 17 fewer goals than Liverpool last season and finished 10 points behind the champions in second place. Arsenal have looked to address that with their recruitment and attempts to increase the goal threat from all positions.
Goalkeeper David Raya is frequently kicking the ball long and goals from Kai Havertz and chances created for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have come when Arsenal have played the ball into space behind the opposition defence.
The arrival of new set-piece coach Nicolas Jover is expected to ensure the Gunners are again a huge threat in this area.
A new faster-paced attacking style has been evident through summer, especially when Odegaard, Zubimendi and Rice started together.
While Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed by drifting into midfield from left-back during his breakthrough season, there has been more emphasis on him fulfilling traditional full-back duties in this system.
Arteta hopes the changes will benefit Gyokeres and his imposing physical style along with his ability to burst through centre-backs.
