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Arteta - We want to set an early marker

Mikel Arteta believes a fast start to the Premier League will create a platform for a sustained title challenge this season.

Arsenal took 15 points from their opening six games and topped the league for 128 days last term before falling away in the final stages of the campaign.

Arsene Wenger's side begin at home to Cyrstal Palace on Saturday and Arteta is determined to get some early points on the board.

"We've done our [transfer] business early this season so we can start from the off and that's what we want,” the captain told Arsenal Player.

"You need competition, players to be on their toes and that's what the manager is going to get this season"

"We want to set a marker and we don't want to miss that opportunity. We've got experience now, we are able to win - we have the qualities to do it, we have the structure, the fans, the club and the desire to do it.

"I think we have moved forward since I've been here. Last season was a big step forward. To compete in the most tough and difficult league - where you are facing five or six opponents ready to win the Premier League - is not easy to find anywhere else in Europe.

β€œWhen you're playing and you look at the bench, and you see that we have options to change the game. You can write down two or three different teams and that's what you need. You need competition, players to be on their toes and that's what the manager is going to get this season. If we make the right decisions, I'm sure we will be there."

New signing Alexis Sanchez is in line to make his home debut against Crystal Palace and Arteta believes the Chilean will only add to Arsenal's attacking riches this term.

"In the last three seasons, we've signed 'X-factor' players," he said. "When Santi [Cazorla] came, I think fans got really excited because he was giving us something really special.

"With Mesut [Ozil] it was something very special. Now we have Alexis - but you forget about Theo who missed six months last year and was superb when he was fit.

"Then there's Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack and Rambo, who was unbelievable last season. Suddenly you're talking about six or seven really good players that can make a difference in a game and that's what you want to win trophies."

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