Arsenal will be once again participating in the Premier League curtain raiser, this time under the blinding lights of Selhurst Park.
The Premier League have announced the full fixture list for the coming season, and the Gunners are set to undergo a baptism of fire, returning to the ground that sparked catastrophe last season, succumbing to a 3-0 defeat.
Mikel Arteta will hope that his side goes into the opening game this time around far more prepared, having bedded in multiple signings as he looks to return his side to the highest echelon of European football.
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Last season, his Arsenal side experienced the worst of all possible starts, three consecutive defeats in the opening three games, all without scoring a goal. The Spaniard will be hoping for a far better start this term, with teams around Arsenal strengthening, they won’t want to offer a headstart to their rivals.
Any optimism that the Gunners faithful take into that opening fixture against the Eagles will largely depend on incoming players this transfer window, as the fans have seen previous evidence of what the current crop of players have done in the pressurised South London environment.
So far, only one signing has been announced by the red half of London, that of Brazilian talent Marquinhos. However, the club are said to be looking to move quickly before preseason starts, with Youri Tielemans and Gabriel Jesus firmly in their line of sight.
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Once again being under the piercing gaze of the globe for the Premier League opener, those at N5 will sincerely hope to avoid a repeat of last season’s opening game, which saw them crumble to defeat against newly promoted Brentford.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Premier League