Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he and his players are excited ahead of Sunday's Community Shield against Manchester City.
Arteta feels his players are ready going into the season curtain raiser at Wembley.
He said, "Very excited to play a final and have the opportunity to win a trophy. We're playing the team that is the team to beat. They're the best team in Europe last season so we know what the standards are and what we're going to need to win. Really excited.
"What happened last season and (what will happen) this season is something you can't compare. Other teams have strengthened as well. I wish it would be that simple, but unfortunately, it's not.
"This is what we want. Fighting for trophies on every front and seeking to be the best but we have to prove that. What we did last season wasn't enough to win the biggest trophy and we have to be better. That comes from trying to be better everyday, making better decisions, playing better and deserving to win games. At the end, the outcomes will come by themselves.
"They've shown consistency over the years and merit respect for what they've done. If you want to challenge for the championship, you're going to need points that are unheard of in this league for the last 100 years. That's the standard and if you want to be there, you know what you have to do."