Arsenal have started their latest Premier League campaign with the confidence of champions, making it clear that their ambition is to win the title again rather than simply defend it.

New gold “Champions” signage above the entrance to Emirates Stadium reflects the belief around the club following Arsenal’s first Premier League title win in 22 years last season.

Players and supporters embraced the champions tag during the 3-0 victory over Coventry, with the crowd repeatedly singing “champions of England” as the team began their title defence.

Captain Martin Odegaard said winning the trophy had given the squad greater confidence but insisted the team does not view the season as an attempt to defend what they achieved.

“We don’t feel we have to defend anything,” Odegaard said. “We want to do it again and that’s the mindset.”

Manager Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal since taking charge, building a team capable of competing consistently at the top of English football. The victory over Coventry also saw Arteta become only the fifth manager to reach 150 Premier League wins in fewer than 250 matches, joining Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp and Sir Alex Ferguson.