Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta will face a significant challenge in defending the title, as only Ferguson, Jose Mourinho, and Pep Guardiola have guided their teams to a successful title defence since the Premier League began in 1992-93. The stability at the Emirates, rooted in Arteta's longevity in the job, is one significant advantage over all of Arsenal's rivals, with Arteta marking his seventh anniversary as Gunners manager in December.
The rule changes designed to clamp down on time-wasting and grappling at corners may work against Arsenal and force Arteta and his coaches to make subtle tweaks to the team's approach. However, the football rulebook alone is unlikely to be enough to derail Arteta's side. Complacency is the one thing that can trip Arsenal up, and Arteta needs to have his eyes and ears open on the training ground to prevent this.
Arsenal have the squad to cope with the demands of playing in Europe, having added well by signing Guimaraes and Konsa, and they're used to playing in Europe, so they should avoid the issues that they couldn't overcome at Leicester. However, history is against Arteta and Arsenal, and they will need to prove they really are worthy of emulating the greats this season.
Arsenal will face a tough test in their next match against promoted Coventry City at the Emirates on Friday, but they are strong favorites to retain their title.