Premier League preview: Arsenal plotting to regain the championship title after long wait for Wenger

A troublesome rival who had inflicted several painful defeats on Arsene Wenger’s side had finally been put in their place by the FA Cup holders with a vibrant display that bore the hallmark of potential champions.

But within two months of that 3-0 rout of reigning champions Manchester City in August 2014, the Gunners’ title challenge was in tatters amid bitter recriminations about Wenger’s failure to strengthen his squad.

So 12 months on, with optimism once again abounding at the Emirates Stadium following last weekend’s 1-0 win against champions Chelsea in the Community Shield, the anti-climatic aftermath of that victory over City should serve as a cautionary tale.

Arsenal know they must make a faster start than last year to avoid being cast adrift of the leaders and Per Mertesacker, their German defender, has warned his teammates against getting carried away.

“We have had a great preseason so far, and the peak was winning the Community Shield, but any significant predictions from the game are very difficult,” Mertesacker said.