Mikel Arteta makes bold Arsenal claim after statement win over Chelsea

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s victory over Chelsea provided evidence that his side can reach an even higher level than the team which won the Premier League last season.

Arsenal recovered from Morgan Rogers‘ goal after just 77 seconds to beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, with Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard completing the comeback.

The result means Arsenal have taken nine points from their opening three Premier League matches, while Sunday’s display left Arteta particularly encouraged about how much further his side can develop.

🔴⚪️ Mikel Arteta: “It’s a big win for us and it helps because the league will be super hard this season”.

“Tonight we see we are capable of performing at a higher level than the one in last season”. pic.twitter.com/0GpcfwrbiM

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 6, 2026

Arteta believes Arsenal can improve on title-winning level

Speaking after the game, Arteta described Arsenal’s performance as “exceptional” and said the manner of the victory demonstrated what his players are capable of producing.

The Spaniard told reporters that Sunday’s performance was an indication Arsenal can operate at an “even higher level than last season”, provided they maintain the same desire throughout the campaign, according to Reuters’ report from Arteta’s post-match press conference.

That represents a significant statement after Arsenal ended their long wait for a Premier League title in 2025/26.

Their 2-1 comeback victory against Chelsea arguably represented the strongest examination of the champions so far this season.

Arsenal conceded for the first time this term, had a Riccardo Calafiori equaliser disallowed and still responded strongly enough to take control of the contest.

Arteta was particularly pleased with that reaction.

There were also encouraging attacking signs, with Havertz scoring against his former club and Ødegaard producing the winner after an injury-disrupted previous campaign.

Arteta has already made clear that the Arsenal captain has a point to prove after missing so much football.

Arsenal now sit level with Manchester City on nine points and +5 goal difference, with City ahead only on goals scored.

Their progress throughout the title defence can be followed through our permanent Arsenal fixtures and results hub.

Three matches are far too early to draw major conclusions.

Arteta, though, clearly believes the ceiling of his latest Arsenal side has not yet been reached.