Arsenal launch title defence as new-look Premier League kicks off

MANCHESTER. England, Aug 20 : For years Arsenal were the hunters. On Friday they become the hunted as they launch the new Premier League season at home to promoted Coventry City carrying the burden that comes with reaching the summit. 

Winning the title ended one journey; attempting to retain it begins another. History shows that staying on top can be even more difficult than getting there. 

Behind them, much of the league has been reshaped. Nine new managers, the departure of several heavyweight players including Manchester City's Rodri and Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah, and sweeping changes at some of England's biggest clubs have the league entering a new era as another nine-month drama begins.

Arsenal last attempted to defend the Premier League title in 2004-05, eventually finishing second behind Chelsea, and no Arsenal team have successfully defended a top-flight title since they won three leagues in a row ending in 1935. 

Mikel Arteta's men host Coventry, whose reward for returning to the top flight is a trip to a packed Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners will want a statement victory on the board before their rivals get underway.

"Ultimately, the goal we all know is to win as many major trophies as we possibly can, and what we have to do is make sure that we click the fire every day to players and the staff to behave in that manner," Arteta told the BBC.

"The players need to be the best version, and I feel fresh with a lot of energy and ready to go again. And now it's like building a beast inside you that you want to go through that again, and you know what it's going to take."

Arsenal added one of the league's most influential midfielders to their squad in Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, one of the reasons many