Community Shield: Mikel Arteta admits Manchester City 'the team to beat'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he understands the challenge that awaits his team as they begin a new season against treble winners Manchester City in the Community Shield.

The Gunners dominated for much of the Premier League last term, only to slip at the business end of the campaign. Pep Guardiola's City then gathered momentum at the perfect time to snatch their third straight league title. They then went on to win their maiden Champions League crown in June to complete the treble.

Arsenal enjoyed an eight-point lead over City until mid-March but lost it at the end of April and will now look to seek revenge in Sunday's traditional curtain-raiser to the Premier League season at Wembley.

Arteta, 41, served as assistant to Pep Guardiola at City from 2016-2019 before taking the reins at the north London club and leading them to the FA Cup trophy in his first season in charge.

Since then, he has helped Arsenal qualify for the Champions League for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign. Arteta said he wants his team to build on the momentum from last season.

"Very excited to play a final to win a trophy, we are playing against the team to beat," Arteta said.

"This is what we want, fighting for every trophy. We have to prove that. What we did last year was not enough to win the big trophy, and we have to be better.

"We have to try and maintain the level and improve it for the fans."

Arsenal have added more depth to their squad with the addition of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber in the close season.

However, there was one major concern ahead of the season curtain-raiser. Arteta hoped Gabriel Jesus will not miss much of the new season following the Arsenal forward's knee surgery.

The Brazil international went