Mikel Arteta admits pressure of repeating last season performance

Arsenal are under pressure to repeat their performance from the 2022/23 Premier League season, according to manager Mikel Arteta.

The North London side was close to clinching the Premier League title for the first time since the 2003/24 season but was found wanting in the last few weeks of the season.

Arteta’s side earned a second-place finish behind Manchester City who won their fifth league title in the last six years.

Arsenal’s 84 points was not enough to win the league and recent additions to the squad mean they would have to better their performance in the upcoming season.

The Gunners have signed Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice and Arteta says these shining only come with more pressure to deliver.

“For sure,” he said. “After what we did last year, a lot of people are going to talk about what is next.

“In the end, it will be about playing better and earning the right to win every match.

“We made some important signings like other teams are doing, but when you are Arsenal, you have to handle that.”

Arsenal following their first pre-season game last week will now take on MLS All-Stars on Wednesday, July 19.