Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott says Mikel Arteta has changed the ambitions of the club from finishing in the top four to winning the title.

The Gunners finished two points short of Manchester City last season, but are determined to once again to become champions for the first time since 2004.

“There is an expectation now for Arsenal to win the league. When I was playing there was the expectation to finish top four,” Walcott said. “Now, there is a feeling which Mikel has set with his whole demeanour, of being alert constantly, of always being so positive.

“And that is not just with the players, but with the the whole staff, at the training ground and the whole environment of an all-in-one mind of a positive outlook.

“It is hard trying to get everyone going in the right direction and I think Mikel has done that, from the fans particularly, he has brought them all in one and he has gelled it.”

On his expectations for this season, following a non-perfect start: “I have said Arsenal will win the league – and they are going to have to be exceptional to win the league.

“The way Manchester City have started, they have just wiped people to the floor. They have that fear factor now that when they walk on the field, the [opposition] players and their fans are terrified.

“We don’t want it to be a one-horse race. We have got to be wary of Liverpool as well because they have started exceptionally well.”