Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal are capable of reaching even greater heights this season after his side fought back from an early setback to defeat Chelsea, sending a pointed message to their title challengers.
The afternoon began poorly for the hosts, with Morgan Rogers volleying Chelsea into the lead inside the opening minute at the Emirates Stadium. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded all season, momentarily silencing the home crowd. But the Gunners responded with growing intensity, gradually seizing control of the contest and turning the game in their favour before claiming a win that Arteta felt was thoroughly deserved.
The result leaves Arsenal level with Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League, both clubs sitting on nine points. Reflecting on his team's response after falling behind, Arteta praised the character shown by his players and suggested the performance offered proof that this Arsenal side has room to improve further, even after winning the league title last season following a 22-year wait.
"It's an indication for us of how capable we are to perform at an even higher level than last season," Arteta said. "It depends on how we maintain and sustain that desire, that humbleness and continue every day to try and find a better version of myself and the team. We still have a lot to grow and a lot to offer, and this is the ambition of the team."
The Arsenal manager described the win as one of the most satisfying of the campaign, pointing to how his side turned early adversity into a statement performance against a direct rival.
"It was an exceptional performance," Arteta said. "I enjoyed every minute of it from the beginning to the end, and the beginning was tough. But I enjoyed it because the team reacted in a spectacular way. The conviction, the determination, the quality, it was beautiful. It was a fascinating game, I think for the spectators as well. I think we deserved to win it."
Among the standout performers was Martin Odegaard, who scored the winning goal to continue an impressive start to the season. The Norwegian playmaker has now found the net against both Coventry and Chelsea, meaning he has already surpassed his Premier League goal tally from the entirety of last season.
Arteta credited Odegaard's improved form to his fitness and renewed confidence following a difficult 2023-24 campaign disrupted by injury.
"He's fit, he feels confidence-wise one of the highest I've seen him," Arteta said. "He has a point to prove from last season as well, after missing so much football. When that happens, Kai the same, Bukayo the same, we missed so many attacking players last season for long, long periods."
The Arsenal boss also highlighted the developing understanding between his key attacking players, suggesting their partnership is only just beginning to flourish after being disrupted by injuries last term.
"I don't know how many times they've played together those three in the last year or so, but probably not much, and when you start to feel the chemistry they have between them and what they can produce, it's great," Arteta explained.
He went on to praise Odegaard's overall contribution to the win, noting the midfielder's willingness to take on responsibility in both attack and creation.
"For me, he gets to that point because he's enjoying his football. You have to enjoy what you do, you have to play with real intent, and that's what I loved seeing today," Arteta said. "Today, he was running forward, he took shots, he created so many situations for his team-mates. It was great."
With Arsenal matching City at the top of the table, Arteta's comments suggest confidence is high within the squad that this campaign could yield even greater success than last season's historic title triumph.
Based on reporting from standard-football.