The Gunners playmaker believes his team can handle the expectation on them to achieve silverware and is optimistic of a successful campaign after winning the season curtain-raiser
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey says the pressure on his teammates to win major trophies is “nothing new” and believes the club can achieve big things in 2015-16.
The domestic season in England got underway at Wembley on Sunday, with the Gunners defending the Community Shield by beating Chelsea 1-0 thanks to a first-half strike from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Arsene Wenger’s men lifted the FA Cup for the second year running last term and despite ending the campaign 12 points adrift of champions Chelsea, Ramsey is confident of closing the gap.
“There’s always pressure on Arsenal to go out and win games and win trophies. It’s nothing new to us as players,” the 24-year-old said.
“We know what we’re capable of doing. We have a great team, a great squad. So we’re just excited as well about what this season may hold for us. We all feel confident that we can achieve something this year.”
The North Londoners begin their campaign at home to West Ham before an away trip to Crystal Palace and the Welshman acknowledges the significance of building early form.
“It’s important just to go into the start of the season focused on these games and to get off to a good start, because that’s what we lacked last season.
“If we do that and keep everybody fit we’ll have a good chance. We have to get off to a good start because last season Chelsea were strong throughout the season and they stayed top for basically the whole season.
“Hopefully everybody can have a successful and fit season. Competition is good and we have a lot of quality and strength in depth.”