ARTETA SETS HIGHER TARGET FOR ARSENAL AFTER PERFECT LEAGUE START

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes his team has the capacity to reach an even higher level this season after making a perfect start to their Premier League campaign. The Gunners strengthened their position at the top end of the table with a 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, recovering from Morgan Rogers’ early goal through Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard to secure another three points.

Arteta described the performance against Chelsea as an exceptional display and believes the result is an indication of the potential within his squad. The Spanish manager, however, stressed that Arsenal must maintain their hunger, humility and determination if they are to build on last season’s efforts. He said the team still has significant room for improvement and that the ambition inside the squad is to keep developing rather than become satisfied with their early success.

The Arsenal boss also singled out captain Martin Ødegaard for praise, noting that the midfielder appears to be playing with greater fitness and confidence. Arteta said Ødegaard is currently operating at a level he has not previously seen from him, while also pointing to the return and improved fitness of key attacking players such as Havertz and Bukayo Saka. According to the manager, Arsenal suffered from the absence of several attacking players for long periods last season, limiting the amount of time they were able to play together and develop a consistent understanding.

Arteta believes Ødegaard’s improved performances are also being helped by the chemistry developing between him and his teammates. The midfielder was influential against Chelsea, scoring Arsenal’s winning goal and creating several opportunities as the hosts completed their comeback. Arteta said the captain appears to be enjoying his football again, adding that playing with freedom, confidence and genuine intent has contributed to his impressive start to the campaign.

The manager also praised Havertz, who has already played an important role in Arsenal’s unbeaten beginning to the season. Arteta said the German forward looks happier, settled and physically prepared, while his goals and work rate have added another dimension to the team. With Arsenal yet to drop a point after three league matches, Arteta believes both the squad and individual players can still improve considerably, insisting that the ultimate objective is to produce a stronger team capable of achieving more than it did last season.