Today in Goal Mirror Sports: Arsenal must perfect their Art as Vieira aims to soar

The countdown to the new Premier League season is officially on.

With players back in training and pre-season friendlies coming thick and fast, Brentford and Arsenal will get the campaign up and running on August 13.

And the Gunners, who lost 2-1 to Hibernian last night, are in our sights today as we explore where Mikel Arteta needs to strengthen his squad before the big kick-off.

After finishing eighth last term, the North Londoners are facing a campaign without European action.

But Arteta will point to the fact his side trailed fourth-placed Chelsea by just six points and that a handful of reinforcements could make all the difference in 2021-22.

With the transfer rumour mill in full swing, we run the rule over what the Spaniard could do to get his side challenging for a place in the top four once again.

With Roy Hodgson waving goodbye to both Crystal Palace and life as a manager at the end of last term, the South Londoners were left hunting for a new boss.

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard was linked with the vacancy but the Eagles turned to another former midfielder who had also plied his trade in the capital.

And now that ex-Arsenal man Patrick Vieira is at the helm, it promises to be an interesting season ahead at Selhurst Park.

Many fans will point to the Frenchman’s relative lack of managerial experience but it is often forgotten the World Cup winner has already coached New York City FC in the MLS and Ligue 1 outfit Nice.

Euro 2020 may be over but everyone is still talking about the tournament.

And that is precisely why former England defender Joleon Lescott is back with a final exclusive column.

With the Three Lions licking their wounds following the penalty shootout defeat to Italy, Lescott reflects on a month-long campaign Gareth Southgate’s men have every right to be proud of.

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