Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea is proof the Gunners can go to a “higher level” than last season.
Morgan Rogers gave the Blues a surprise lead after just 77 seconds but goals from Kai Havertz and captain Martin Ødegaard ensured Arteta’s side extended their unbeaten Premier League run over Chelsea to 10 games.
The champions are aiming to defend the title for the first time in their history since the 1930s but Arteta suggested the manner of their deserved victory in an enthralling contest offers hope there is better to come.
“I think 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, that humbleness and continue every day to try to find a better version of myself and the team,” Arteta said.
“We still have a lot to grow and a lot to offer, and this is the ambition of the team.”
Only Arsenal and Manchester City have maximum points from their opening three matches and Arteta continued: “It’s super hard, and the margin is that you win games, and we’ve seen that.
“We went to Villa Park a few days ago and it was a really tough one, and today again, and we will go to Sunderland [next Saturday] and it will be again so, so tough. We know every week it’s going to be like this, but that’s what we prepare for.”
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Arteta also confirmed that Cristhian Mosquera missed the game due to a muscular injury — allowing Ezri Konsa to make his full debut against Chelsea, adding: “We think it’s not too much, but we need to wait and see in the next few days how this evolves.”
