David Raya believes Arsenal now have an important advantage over their Premier League title rivals after finally ending their 22-year wait for the championship.
The Spanish goalkeeper played a key role as Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy last season and has now revealed how that success has changed the mentality inside Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Raya admitted there was a feeling of “relief” when Arsenal finally got over the line, having come so close in previous campaigns. However, he believes winning the title has now given the squad an extra level of confidence.
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“Of course, winning the league after that many years and after those years that you are so close, it gives you that relief and it gives you that extra confidence,” Raya said.
That confidence has already been evident during the opening stages of the new campaign, with Arsenal making a perfect start to their Premier League title defence.
The Gunners also defeated Manchester City in the Community Shield before beginning their league campaign with three consecutive victories.
Raya believes the experience of becoming champions has allowed Arsenal to play with greater freedom, while also understanding the quality they possess throughout the squad.
“Coming from the three games, especially the Community Shield, winning against Manchester City, the way we played, that gives you extra motivation and extra confidence to play the way we want to play,” he added.
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Arsenal have also been praised for showing more style and flair this season after regularly being labelled “Set Piece FC” during their title-winning campaign.
For Raya, however, the biggest strength may be the depth available to Arteta. The goalkeeper highlighted the importance of players outside the starting XI, insisting everyone will have a role to play across a demanding season.
“They’re really, really important for us, and everybody is going to be really, really important throughout this season. No matter if you are starting now or you are on the bench,” Raya said.
That depth could prove crucial as Arsenal compete on multiple fronts, with the Champions League also returning to their schedule.
Arsenal begin their league-phase campaign against Napoli this week after reaching last season’s final, and Raya believes the team can go one step further this time.
“We know we can beat anybody in this league,” he said.
The message from Raya is clear: Arsenal are no longer chasing their first Premier League title. They are entering the new season as champions, with the belief and squad depth to defend it.
Stevenage FC
Stevenage FC
Arsenal defenders William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes
Arsenal defenders William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes