Mikel Arteta wants to foster stronger team spirit as Arsenal challenge for title again

LONDON – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants his players to feel more like a team this new English Premier League season, as the Gunners prepared to host Nottingham Forest in their first match of the campaign on Saturday.

Arteta’s men got off to a good start last weekend by beating champions Manchester City on penalties to win the Community Shield, and their celebrations were telling as it was a psychological boost ahead of another title charge.

Arsenal will not need another reminder that they led the league for 248 days last campaign, only to falter at the end due to their shortcomings. They are more prepared this time, however, after spending more than £200 million (S$344 million) to bolster their squad in the transfer window.

Team spirit is also key for Arteta.

“I think you have to treat every player with the sense that they’re important and to do that you have to play matches. But it also tells you a lot about the human being what your contribution is when you’re not playing,” he said on Friday.

“I want players who have the feeling that they’re happy when the team win regardless (of whether they are playing).”

The Gunners have brought in midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham United for around £105 million, forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £65 million, and defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax Amsterdam for £35 million. Brentford goalkeeper David Raya is also set to join on loan with an option to buy.

What was key was that Arsenal’s new additions have had a full pre-season to bed in with the squad, further contributing to team harmony and chemistry.

“Definitely helps. Especially the players and the environment,” Arteta added.

While the Spaniard has a clear idea about the level of solidarity in his team, the pressure of another title challenge – especially not having won since 2004 – could yet determine if Arsenal will collapse again.

When asked if he is concerned that last season will repeat itself, he brushed it off by saying: “I think it’s the excitement (of pressure). This is where we want to be.”

Arteta will not be able to call upon Gabriel Jesus on Saturday, with the Brazilian striker out for a few weeks following knee surgery, and midfielder Mohamed Elneny.

Arsenal should have little issue against Forest, as no team performed worse on the road than Steve Cooper’s men last season when they picked up just eight points from a possible 57.

In addition, the last time Forest beat Arsenal away was back in 1988-89 when they won 3-1 at Highbury.

Cooper confirmed that Brennan Johnson is “in the mix” to be involved on Saturday, but Felipe, Taiwo Awoniyi and Moussa Niakhate are all out. The Forest boss is expecting the game to be a “massively tough challenge” but he wants his players to “go to these places and attack it”. REUTERS