Arsenal Enter New Season Facing Big Questions

Arsenal begin their first Premier League title defense in 22 years with a home match against newly promoted Coventry on Friday. Mikel Arteta's side also aim to conquer Europe after last season's heartbreaking defeat to PSG in the Champions League final.

Here are five big questions Arsenal must answer ahead of the new season.

Can they retain the title for the first time in 90 years?

With major rivals Manchester City and Liverpool undergoing rebuilding projects under Enzo Maresca and Andoni Iraola, Arteta's Arsenal hold the advantage of stability after nearly seven years under their manager. Their experienced squad believes they can make history by winning back-to-back league titles for the first time since 1935.

Arsenal have strengthened with several key signings, most notably Bruno Guimaraes in midfield and Greek winger Christos Tzolis as a replacement for Leandro Trossard. However, the long-term back injury to centre-back William Saliba is a major blow to a defense that conceded just 27 goals last season.

Additionally, Arsenal's reliance on set-pieces could come under greater scrutiny from referees following rule changes and last season's controversies. Arteta insisted: "Now we must prove we deserve this level and want to take the club to new heights." Arsenal sent a strong message by beating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield on Sunday.

Can they conquer the Champions League?

Arsenal are the club with the most appearances in the European Cup/Champions League without ever winning it — 226 matches and counting. The penalty shootout defeat to PSG in the final in Budapest still haunts them.

They reached the final thanks to a solid defense, conceding just six goals in 14 matches. Kai Havertz opened the scoring in the sixth minute, but PSG equalized from the penalty spot and won 4-3 in the shootout, with Gabriel Magalhaes missing his spot kick.

PSG have now won two consecutive titles and are targeting a treble, while Bayern Munich nearly caused an upset in the semifinals. Arteta and his players have proven they can compete with anyone in Europe; they need a little more luck and composure.

Does Guimaraes complete the midfield?

Bruno Guimaraes is Arsenal's biggest signing of the transfer window at £75 million ($101.5 million) from Newcastle. The Brazilian midfielder, who captained Newcastle, brings versatility, experience, and leadership, easing the burden on Declan Rice, who suffered an injury late last season.

Arteta praised Guimaraes: "He is a warrior with great technique, intuition, leadership, and charisma that will ignite something different in the team." Guimaraes made an impressive debut in the Community Shield win over City with crucial tackles and tidy passing.

Will Gyokeres break through?

Arsenal fans had hoped Viktor Gyokeres would be the club's first reliable No. 9 in years. His first season yielded 14 Premier League goals and 21 in all competitions — a decent but not explosive return.

Arsenal strengthened around him rather than signing another striker, so the pressure is on Gyokeres to make significant progress after a satisfactory debut year.

Will Max Dowman explode?

Dowman was only 16 last December, and the attacking midfielder scored a stoppage-time winner against Everton in March to become the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.

Arteta is carefully balancing opportunity with protection, limiting Dowman's appearances due to school commitments and workload. This season, Dowman could feature more in domestic cups, but if he shows his potential, he could be used in the biggest matches.