The summer it all came together for Arsenal? 

After a busy summer, the Gunners are ready for another tilt at the title. 

TIME IS NOW: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta who maintains there is a “big belief” within his squad they can achieve their targets over the season. Pic: Nick Potts/PA Wire.

This summer has felt different at Arsenal. From the humid, pulsing nights in Singapore and Hong Kong to early-morning sessions at London Colney, one thing has been unmistakable: belief. Real belief not born from wishful thinking but from careful observation of a squad and a leadership team finally hitting their stride.

Having covered Arsenal for this paper for a decade or three I have seen teams with flair crumble under pressure and gritty units lack inspiration. False dawns and stunning highs pass in a matter of days. This pre-season, assuming it is as informative as it seems, has had an edge recognisable only in truly transformative years.