Arsenal and Manchester City head into the new Premier League season in unfamiliar positions, with the reigning champions looking confident while City face a period of uncertainty following a major change in leadership.

For the first time since the 2004-05 campaign, Arsenal will begin the season as English champions when they welcome promoted Coventry in Friday’s opening fixture.

The mood around the Emirates is understandably positive, while Manchester City are preparing for their first season without Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard brought his remarkable 10-year tenure at the club to an end following the previous campaign.

After spending years competing in City’s shadow, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal finally changed the balance of power last season by securing their first top-flight title in 22 years.

The Gunners finished seven points clear of second-placed City and will now attempt to win consecutive Premier League titles for the first time since the 1930s.

However, Arteta is determined to ensure his squad does not become complacent. Arsenal’s painful Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in May has only increased their hunger to add more major trophies to their collection.

Arsenal’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Manchester City in Sunday’s Community Shield suggests the Gunners may have already extended the gap between the two clubs compared with last season.

Mikel Arteta’s champions have strengthened their squad with the additions of Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, with both players making an immediate impact during the comprehensive win over City.

“The desire comes because I want to live that moment again,” Arteta said.

“We know the difficulty of the task. We know that it’s going to demand something special and we are ready for it.”

Pep Guardiola also endured a difficult final two seasons at the Etihad, failing to win the Premier League title after guiding City to six championships in seven seasons through 2024.

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has now been appointed as Guardiola’s successor, but the Italian faces a huge challenge to match the extraordinary success of his predecessor, who collected 20 trophies during his decade in charge.

Maresca enjoyed a successful spell at Chelsea, winning the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup, but his time at Stamford Bridge lasted less than two years before he left following tensions with the club’s hierarchy and growing frustration among supporters over his style of play.

‘It’s a privilege’

Maresca faces a daunting task as he attempts to close the gap on Arsenal while completing the rebuilding process that Guardiola had already begun, gradually replacing some of City’s ageing stars with younger players.

City will begin their Premier League campaign at home against Bournemouth on Sunday and have already spent £116 million on Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

However, the departure of Spain international and World Cup winner Rodri to Barcelona represents a significant setback for Maresca as he prepares for his first season at the Etihad.

“After 10 games, if we have got 10 points, 20 points, 30 points. People will be comparing it to Pep after 10 games. It doesn’t put pressure on me,” Maresca said.

“Someone asked me if it’s the impossible job to follow him. Maybe, but at the same time it’s a privilege.”

While City remain one of the favourites to challenge Arsenal, several other clubs will be hoping to emerge as serious title contenders and prove their credentials.

Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy in 2025, but Arne Slot’s impressive first season in charge was followed by a disappointing second campaign. Their struggles eventually resulted in Slot’s dismissal after Liverpool finished fifth.

Andoni Iraola has since arrived from Bournemouth to take over from Slot, having impressed during his time with the Cherries.

The departure of Anfield icon Mohamed Salah, combined with concerns over Virgil van Dijk’s form, leaves Andoni Iraola with plenty to address if Liverpool are to challenge for the title again.

Chelsea are also beginning a new era, with Xabi Alonso looking to rebuild his reputation after a difficult spell at Real Madrid.

Alonso guided Bayer Leverkusen to a memorable domestic double in 2024, but his success in Germany was followed by a disappointing stint at Real Madrid that lasted less than eight months.

The former Liverpool and Spain midfielder began his Chelsea tenure with the British-record signing of England international Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for £117 million.

However, turning around a Chelsea side that struggled to a 10th-place finish last season will be a major challenge.

Meanwhile, Michael Carrick has been appointed Manchester United manager on a permanent basis after impressing during his interim spell following the departure of Ruben Amorim.

United finished third under Carrick, with his calm approach and effective man-management helping the club secure important victories against both Arsenal and Manchester City.

Carrick’s next ambition will be to lead United to their first Premier League title since 2013. However, Arsenal have established themselves as the team everyone must overcome as the new season gets underway.