Back to the present day and the focus will be on Viktor Gyokeres to deliver under the spotlight after joining Arsenal for £64million from Sporting Lisbon.
The price tag and Arsenal's long search for a prolific centre forward will see pressure put on his shoulders from day one of the season.
This has already been highlighted by Paul Scholes already questioning whether Gyokeres was Arteta's first choice and whether he suits Arsenal's style.
Villarreal team news: Arsenal old boy Pepe returns
Six years ago Nicolas Pepe was the Gunners headline summer signing, with the winger joining in a then club record £72m move from Lille.