Arteta: I Enjoyed Every Minute From Start to Finish

Mikel Arteta commented on Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the London derby, a third-round clash in the English Premier League. The Gunners fell behind early after Morgan Rogers' goal but staged a comeback with strikes from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard. Following the win, the champions' manager stated that his team is capable of reaching even higher levels.

"It was an exceptional performance. I enjoyed every minute from start to finish, and the beginning was tough. But the team reacted spectacularly – the conviction, the determination, the quality. It was beautiful. It was a captivating match."

"I think this indicates that we are capable of performing at an even higher level than last season. It depends on how we continue to maintain this desire, this humility, and how we strive every day to find a better version of ourselves and the team. We still have a lot to grow and a lot to offer. That is the team's ambition.

A few days ago, we were at Villa Park, and it was really tough. Today again. We will face Sunderland, and it will be just as difficult. We know every week will be like this, but that's what we prepare for," Arteta said.

The Gunners' manager expressed his strong impressions of goal-scorer Odegaard's performance. Arsenal's captain looks sharp after two years plagued by injuries and has started the campaign with three goals in four matches. The specialist also commented on the individual displays of other players who stood out in the London derby.

"I think Martin feels confident and is playing at one of the highest levels I've seen from him. He has something to prove from last season, when he missed so much football. Havertz is the same. I don't know how many times they've played together in the last three years, but probably not many. He's enjoying his game. He was running forward, shooting, passing the ball to his teammates. He looks settled, happy, fit, and he's scoring goals," Arteta added.