Mikel Arteta says it's no good his gamers believing they are often title challengers this season. Now they have to show it.

Eyebrows have been raised outdoors the Arsenal dressing room when it emerged initially of final season that Arteta had advised his stars be believed they'd it inside themselves to be Premier League champions.

Enough of them with that inside sanctum clearly believed Arteta as Arsenal have been the shock runaway leaders for many of the season.

However, the truth that Manchester City finally managed to overtake them and end 5 factors in entrance was signal that perception alone isn't sufficient.

That is the brand new message as Arsenal put together to face Manchester City at Wembley within the Community Shield - a match which may set an early marker concerning the steadiness of energy within the season to return.

“We have not beaten City for a while so it is time to do it!” Arteta stated. “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.

“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 season to attempt to discover the lacking hyperlinks which he believes could make up the shortfall however he accepts that even with £200m invested in confirmed internationals, nothing may be taken with no consideration.

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

“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 the very least be boosted by the restoration from sickness of Bukayo Saka as Gabriel Jesus begins his restoration from a knee process on his World Cup damage initially suffered in December.

“Bukayo was much better, he trained today,” Arteta stated. “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.”