Could this be the start of a period of dominance?
- Published
A big reason why this Premier League league win is such an important psychological moment for Mikel Areteta and Arsenal, is that the Arsenal manager was able to overcome long-time friend and mentor Pep Guardiola.
The Manchester City boss, leaving after 10 seasons in charge, has been the reason for so much of Arsenal's recent disappointment. With Arteta now getting the best of his former colleague, the time for sustained success could be now for Arsenal.
Last season's title rivals Liverpool finished 25 points behind the Gunners and there is a debate about whether current manager Arne Slot is the right man to get them back into title contention.
Manchester United, although rejuvenated by Michael Carrick, are not back as regular challengers just yet and Chelsea have had a disappointing season and finished in mid-table.
Arteta has already shifted the messaging to his players about how their mentality will change now that they are league winners as he urges them to add more silverware to their collection.
"I said to the boys that this shirt now represents something else." Arteta said in his post-match press conference.
"We are the champions, and that brings a lot of confidence and a different kind of presence and energy to it.
"But as well, another kind of responsibility and my job now and [that of] everybody at the club is going to be lift those standards now and achieve much more, because I think we are capable of doing it."
