David Raya believes Arsenal were "nearly perfect" in the Premier League last season but acknowledges that is not enough to beat Manchester City to the title.
Having finished second the previous year, Mikel Arteta's men improved their points return in 2023-24 but were again runners up to City.
That was a fourth consecutive title for City, an unprecedented feat in English top-flight history.
Arsenal are once more targeting top spot in the coming campaign, though, and goalkeeper Raya knows the level they must reach right from the start of the season.
The Gunners lost four times before the turn of the year last time out, meaning they could not compete with City even while dropping points in only two of the remaining 18 matches.
"Our second half of last season was nearly perfect," Raya told Sky Sports. "But you have to be perfect to win the league, especially against Man City.
"They are so good, and they are so experienced in this environment.
"We have to learn from everything, from every mistake and from the good things that we have done as well, to carry on and improve them. That is what we need to do.
"It has been a fantastic year, but we have to – and I have to – make the next one better."
Even with the slightly below bar start to the last campaign, the margins were so fine, with the title race going down to the final day as City pipped Arsenal by two points.
It is natural then that Raya and his team-mates might reflect on the games in which they slipped up, notably taking only one point from two games against midtable Fulham despite leading in both matches.
"I think we had a really good campaign, but at some stages we didn't manage the games where we dropped a few points well," the Spain international said.
"It's that balance of knowing when you have to manage games. Also, you have to go all in, especially at the start of the season."
Arsenal begin the new season at home to Wolves on Saturday.
Shaqiri leaves Chicago Fire 'to explore new opportunities'
Xherdan Shaqiri has agreed to leave the Chicago Fire two and a half years on from his record-breaking transfer to the MLS club.
Former Bayern Munich, Inter and Liverpool winger Shaqiri joined the Fire from Lyon in February 2022 in a reported $7.5million deal, then a club record fee.
Shaqiri, who won the Champions League at both Bayern and Liverpool, scored 14 goals in 69 regular-season matches for Chicago.
However, the 32-year-old had not played for the club since May due to appearing for Switzerland at Euro 2024. He subsequently retired from international football.
Shaqiri does not appear ready to quit the club game, though, explaining this mutual agreement served to further his career elsewhere.
"I believe this is the right time for me to explore new opportunities in my career," he said in a statement.
"I want to thank the club and the fans for their support during my time in Chicago. I wish the Fire nothing but success moving forward."
Fernandes signs new Man Utd contract with 'best moments still to come'
Bruno Fernandes has signed a new Manchester United contract and believes his "best moments" for the Premier League giants are "still to come".
Fernandes joined United from Sporting CP in January 2020 for an initial fee of around £47million (€55m) and was an instant hit at Old Trafford.
The Portugal international scored 12 goals from midfield in that first COVID-hit campaign under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before netting 28 across all competitions in his first full season in England.
Fernandes has gone on to tally 79 goals in 234 games for United, contributing 67 assists while creating more chances in the Premier League than any other player since his signing in 2020.
Having helped United to win the EFL Cup and return to the Champions League in 2022-23, Fernandes was named captain by Erik ten Hag at the start of last season.
It proved a difficult campaign for the Red Devils but ended with Fernandes in inspired form as his side beat rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final, securing silverware and European football once again.
Now, on the eve of a new Premier League season, Fernandes has committed his future to United, agreeing a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2027 with the option of a further year.
It has been reported the new terms will bring his salary in line with United's top earners.
Fernandes' performances have more than justified that status, yet he is confident United fans will see even more from both he and the team in the coming years.
"Everybody knows the passion I have for Manchester United," Fernandes told the club's media channels.
"I understand the responsibility and significance of wearing this shirt and the levels of dedication and desire required to represent this incredible club.
"I have had so many special moments here already; hearing my name sung from the Stretford End, scoring a hat-trick against Leeds, leading the team out at Old Trafford on European nights and lifting trophies at Wembley.
"But I wouldn't have signed this contract if I didn't believe that my best moments in a United shirt are still to come.
"From my discussions with the football leadership and manager, it is clear how determined everyone is to fight for major trophies in the years ahead.
"I can see how positive the future is going to be, and I am relishing leading this team forward."
Guehi unfazed by transfer interest ahead of Premier League season
Marc Guehi insists he is able to block the outside noise about his Crystal Palace future amid interest from Newcastle United.
The Magpies have already had two bids for the defender rejected, but have reportedly made a third, with Palace valuing Guehi at around £65million.
Guehi caught the eye as he made his tournament debut for England at Euro 2024, playing in all but one of the Three Lions' games as they reached the final, only to eventually lose out to Spain.
But the 24-year-old has said he finds it easy to ignore the attention, and that it will not affect his approach to the season.
"I can, I've been doing it my whole life really," Guehi told Sky Sports. "I've never really been one to be looking too much into myself if that makes sense.
"But I think it's always important to focus on what truly is important, and that's the game at the weekend, making sure that for the rest of the season as a team we're at it."
Earlier this week, Palace chairman Steve Parish said he would only be willing to let Guehi leave for "superstar money" as the club believes he is a "generational talent".
The Eagles are keen to keep hold of Guehi, who has made 111 appearances since joining the club from Chelsea in 2021.
Asked how he felt after hearing of Parish's comments: "Humbled, humbled by that. For someone that is such a big part of this football club, for him to say something like that is amazing, for someone like me.
"I'm not sure I'm a superstar, but some really kind words from the chairman, so it's really nice to hear that."
Palace will kick off their Premier League campaign against Brentford on Sunday.
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