Football NewsThe GuardianUnverified source· 20 Aug 2026
Arteta demands desire for title defence, insists Lewis-Skelly stays
Arsenal boss calls for hunger as champions prepare to open season against Coventry.
Arsenal
team
Match
Arsenal vs Coventry, Friday night
Record
Won 17 of last 18 vs promoted teams
Home run
Unbeaten vs promoted at Emirates since Nov 2010 (45 matches)
What happened. Mikel Arteta urged Arsenal to show desire to defend their Premier League title and confirmed Myles Lewis-Skelly will not leave this transfer window.
- Arteta says team ready for long marathon.
- Arsenal aiming for first title defence since 1930s.
- Lewis-Skelly 100% staying at the club.
“desire and ambition”
— Mikel Arteta
Arsenal open their title defence against Coventry on Friday night.
In this story
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