Arsenal Targets Record-Breaking Season To Surpass Manchester City, Says Arteta

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Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal must set new records to dethrone Manchester City in the 2024-25 Premier League season. Arsenal finished second to City in the last two seasons, leading the table for long periods but falling short. The Gunners were just two points away from ending their 20-year title drought in 2023-24, with City clinching a fourth consecutive crown on the final day.

Under Arteta, Arsenal have improved their points tally each season: 61 in 2020-21, 69 in 2021-22, 84 in 2022-23, and 89 last term. They scored more goals (91) last season than any other Premier League campaign and conceded only 29 goals, their fewest since the Invincibles were champions in 2003-04.

Arteta emphasised the need for further improvement: "To break more of those records again and win more points, that's for sure. It won't be enough [last season's levels]. With the level we are competing with and every season getting harder, we are going to have to improve again for sure."

Arteta believes his players are highly motivated for the upcoming season. He shared: "On the last day, I think we had a gathering together with all the club and the players said, 'we're going to do it, we want more'. Everyone was saying the same thing, that we're not going to stop here and we want much more."

Arsenal made David Raya's loan move permanent and signed Italy centre-back Riccardo Calafiori for £45 million (€38.4m) this off-season. However, he is the only new face at Emirates Stadium ahead of 2024-25. Arteta has not ruled out further activity: "After the season we had two objectives—the main and most important one was to make sure we are still in love with our players. Then, okay, if there are still opportunities in the market we will look at them. The market is open and things can happen."

Upcoming Season Opener

Arsenal begin their 2024-25 campaign against Wolves on Saturday. They have won 16 of their 18 Premier League games so far in 2024 (one draw, one loss), boasting an impressive 89% win rate—their best in any calendar year.

The Gunners have started their last two Premier League campaigns with victories over Crystal Palace in 2022-23 and Nottingham Forest last year. In contrast, Wolves have lost their opening match in each of the last three seasons.

Arteta remains optimistic about Arsenal's chances this season but acknowledges that surpassing Manchester City will require breaking more records and continuous improvement.