Arteta: The Commitment Shown by the Substitute Players Was Excellent and Helped the Team Greatly

In the third round of the Premier League, Arsenal came from behind to defeat Chelsea 2-1 at home. After the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke to the club's official media.

Mikel, our perfect start to the season continues. How are you feeling now?

Very happy. I think this was an incredible match to watch and to coach, it was truly fantastic. From the beginning to the end, the level and quality of the game, the way we competed, the way we attacked, as well as the energy, fluidity and the threats we created for the opponent, were all excellent. Fairly speaking, it was unbelievable.

In addition, some players also showed outstanding individual performances. We missed them a lot over the past year because they were unable to play for the team at that time. I think their return lifted this match to another level. The fans in the stadium also maintained an incredible connection with the team. When that happens, it becomes very difficult for opponents to deal with the pressure both on and off the pitch. So, it was a very enjoyable afternoon.

Recently, we have rarely needed to come back from losing positions. So when the team went behind today, the players did not panic. You must have been very pleased, and the fans were also fully supporting the team.

We showed real composure and were very clear about our intentions and what we needed to do. We showed incredible quality. We had to remain patient and created a lot of chances. The score ended this way, but we had scored a goal that was ruled out, and we still kept going, kept going, kept attacking. I think that is also why we were eventually rewarded.

Both of our goals were also the result of carefully constructed moves, showing outstanding technical ability. The best moment was probably Trossard's pass to Martin Odegaard. That key moment eventually helped us win the match.

Yes, actually we had many similar opportunities, but due to very small margins we were unable to turn them into goals. The connection between the players and the ability to create threats by occupying different spaces are what allow us to become unpredictable. This is something we have always emphasized, and today we achieved it.

In the final 10 minutes, the substitute players who came on really made an impact, didn't they? They gave everything to ensure the team eventually won the match.

Incredible. They once again showed this attitude: no matter how many minutes they get on the pitch, they are willing to commit themselves at the highest level. The willingness they showed was excellent, and it helped the team greatly.

Is this victory and such an outstanding performance the ideal way to enter the Champions League and prepare for the difficult match against Napoli?

Yes, this is exactly what we are seeing now. You know the level we are currently at in the league, and you know we are capable of maintaining this form, while we still have a lot of room for improvement in many areas. This must become our core requirement and goal because, both individually and collectively, we can still reach a higher level, and we will continue working in that direction.