Arteta urges Arsenal to show ambition as season opens against Coventry
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 3:05 PM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026
Mikel Arteta has called for Arsenal to demonstrate their ambition in defending the Premier League title ahead of their opening match against Coventry on Friday night. He expressed confidence that Myles Lewis-Skelly will remain at the club during this transfer window. Arsenal seeks to retain the championship for the first time since the 1930s, having enjoyed a strong record against promoted teams, winning 17 of their last 18 encounters. The team has also not lost to a promoted side at the Emirates Stadium since November 2010, maintaining an impressive home unbeaten streak of 45 matches.
- •Arsenal faces Coventry in their season opener on August 21.
- •Arteta emphasizes the need for desire and ambition in the title defense.
- •Myles Lewis-Skelly is confirmed to stay at Arsenal this transfer window.
- •Arsenal's recent record includes 17 wins from the last 18 against promoted teams.
- •The club has not lost to a promoted team at the Emirates since November 2010.
- 3:05 PMThe Guardian Sport — Arteta demands ‘desire and ambition’ for title defence and says Lewis-Skelly will stay
"Champions’ manager says team ready for long marathon Arteta 100% confident Lewis-Skelly will remain at club Mikel Arteta has called on Arsenal to prove they have the desire to defend their Premier League title on the eve of the new season and insisted Myles Lewis-Skelly will not be leaving in this transfer window. Arsenal face Coventry in their opening match on Friday night as they attempt to retain the championship for the first time since the 1930s. Arteta’s side have won 17 of their last 18 matches against promoted teams and have not been beaten at the Emirates by one since November 2010 – a run of 45 matches. Continue reading...
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