Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes his team can reach an even higher level this season after maintaining their perfect start to the Premier League campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea on Sunday.
The Gunners fell behind early at the Emirates Stadium when Morgan Rogers put Chelsea ahead, but Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard scored either side of half-time to secure all three points for Arsenal.
Speaking after the match, Arteta described his side’s display as “exceptional” and said the result was evidence of their potential for the season ahead.
“I think it’s an indication for us that we’re capable of performing even higher than we did last season,” Arteta said.
The Arsenal boss, however, stressed that achieving that level would require the team to maintain its determination, humility and commitment to continuous improvement.
He added that the squad still had significant room for growth and that the ambition was to keep developing both individually and collectively.
Arteta also praised captain Martin Ødegaard following his influential performance against Chelsea, saying the midfielder is currently enjoying his best level of fitness and confidence since he took charge of the club.
“First of all, he feels fit and confidence-wise, it’s the highest I’ve seen him,” Arteta said.
The manager noted that Ødegaard, like Havertz and Bukayo Saka, was motivated to make up for lost playing time last season after injuries disrupted Arsenal’s campaign.
Arteta said Ødegaard was also benefiting from developing a stronger understanding with his teammates, while enjoying his football again.
“When you start to feel the chemistry they have between them and what they can produce, it’s great,” he said.
“But for me, he gets to that point because he’s enjoying his football.”
Arteta highlighted Ødegaard’s willingness to make forward runs, take shots and create opportunities for teammates as evidence of his renewed confidence.
The victory over Chelsea leaves Arsenal with a 100 per cent record at the start of the Premier League season and has further strengthened Arteta’s belief that the team can improve on its performances from last campaign.
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