Mikel Arteta is well aware that Arsenal must start much better this season if they are to challenge for the title.
The Gunners lost four of their first seven matches last season, which included an 8-2 hammering at Manchester United, and Arteta knows that positive early results this campaign are vital to get things up and running at the Emirates Stadium.
"We have to start better than last season, that's for sure," he told Arsenal.com.
"We also have to try to keep players fit for longer than we did last season and not concede as many goals.
"This is all possible and from day one we have to think that we are as good as the other teams. I don't see other teams as better than us, I know my team-mates well.
"If everybody is fit, comfortable and ready for a fight then I think we can handle it."
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