Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne insists he isn't worried about Arsenal in the Premier League title race despite Community Shield defeat

Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has insisted that he isn’t worried about Arsenal in the Premier League title race this season.

Arsenal led the table for much of last season but ended up finishing five points behind City, who were crowned champions for the third campaign in a row.

The Gunners beat City on penalties to win the Community Shield but De Bruyne, who missed a spot-kick in the shootout, insists that it would be wrong to focus on Mikel Arteta’s side as there are ‘eight or nine’ other teams that could win the league.

As reported by Manchester Evening News, De Bruyne said: ‘There’s about eight or nine teams so I’m not worried about them. We just do what we have to do.’

Reflecting on City’s performance, De Bruyne admitted it was frustrating to concede a ‘stupid goal’ late on as Leandro Trossard equalised for Arsenal with a deflected effort.

Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne says that he isn’t worried about Arsenal in the title race

De Bruyne stated there are eight or nine teams that are capable of winning the league

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He said: ‘Everybody needs to get sharper but we played OK and we had some chances to score and in the end what can you do? It’s a deflection, it’s a stupid goal.’

City, who are aiming for a record fourth title in succession, know that they are likely to face fierce competition this season.

Arsenal, for instance, have strengthened by bringing in Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have signed Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund.

Liverpool finished fifth last season but Jurgen Klopp’s side, who have brought in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, will hope to fare rather better this time around.

It has been a busy summer at Chelsea as well, who are looking to rebuild under Mauricio Pochettino and there is also a new era at Tottenham, where Ange Postecoglou has taken charge. Furthermore, Newcastle will be buoyed by their involvement in the Champions League.

As far as City are concerned, Pep Guardiola’s side have lost some talented players in Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez but they have brought in Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic.