Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal have shown they can reach an even higher level than last season after their impressive 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal had to recover from an early setback after Morgan Rogers gave Chelsea the lead inside two minutes, but Kai Havertz and captain Martin Odegaard turned the game around to maintain the Gunners’ perfect start to the campaign.
After a comfortable victory over promoted Coventry City and a narrow 1-0 win at Aston Villa, the London derby represented Arsenal’s biggest test of the season so far. Arteta was delighted with the response his players produced after falling behind.
REIGNING SUPREME IN N5. pic.twitter.com/SuSKQyVRhj
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 6, 2026
“I think it was an exceptional performance. I enjoyed every minute of it from the beginning to the end, and the beginning was tough,” Arteta told reporters.
The Arsenal manager was particularly impressed by the mentality his side displayed after conceding so early, believing their reaction demonstrated the level of quality and determination required to compete at the highest level.
“I enjoyed it because the team reacted in a spectacular way. The conviction, the determination, the quality of which I intend to have them constantly, it was beautiful,” he added.
For Arteta, the victory was more than simply three points. He believes Arsenal’s performance suggested they possess the tools to surpass the level they reached during their title-winning campaign.
“It’s an indication for us of how capable we are to perform at an even higher level than last season, and it depends on how we maintain and sustain that desire,” Arteta said.
One of the biggest positives has been the form of Arsenal’s attacking players. Havertz, Odegaard and Bukayo Saka all looked dangerous against Chelsea, while new signing Christos Tzolis again impressed on the wing.
Odegaard, in particular, appears to be rediscovering his best form after an injury-hit previous campaign. The Norwegian scored the winner against Chelsea and looked far closer to the influential playmaker Arsenal fans have become accustomed to seeing.
Arteta believes the return to fitness of his key attackers could be crucial after Arsenal were repeatedly hit by injuries last season.
“Odegaard has a point to prove from last season after missing so much football,” Arteta said. “When that happens, Kai the same, Bukayo the same, we miss so many attacking players last season for long, long periods.”
He also highlighted the growing understanding between his attacking players, suggesting Arsenal could become even more dangerous as they spend more time playing together.
Still new levels to unlock 🔓
Mikel believes there’s more to come 🫡
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 6, 2026
“I don’t know how many times they’ve played together those two 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.”
Arsenal are now one of only two Premier League sides with a 100% record, alongside Manchester City, and have already made an early statement about their ambitions.
Chelsea, meanwhile, were handed their first setback under new manager Xabi Alonso. The Blues have scored seven goals across their opening three league matches but have conceded the same number, leaving Alonso with clear defensive issues to address.
“We want to start having clean sheets, they will come,” Alonso said. “The players are committed to working hard, to knowing that we’re on the way to compete in each game.”
Chelsea become the 1st team in Premier League history to score in the 1st 5 minutes of each of their 1st 3 games 🤯💨
⏱️ 1′ João Pedro vs. Fulham
⏱️ 4′ Roméo Lavia vs. Brighton
⏱️ 2′ Morgan Rogers vs. Arsenal pic.twitter.com/AelPOhiIAt— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 6, 2026
The Spaniard accepted the defeat but insisted Chelsea must not allow the result to derail their progress. “Not happy that we couldn’t get anything, but we need to keep calm and carry on,” Alonso added.
