Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes his side can perform at an even higher level than last season after their impressive 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea preserved their perfect start to the Premier League campaign.

The Gunners fell behind to Morgan Rogers’ early strike at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday but responded through Kai Havertz and captain Martin Odegaard to secure all three points.

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Arteta described the performance as “exceptional” and said the victory offered an encouraging indication of what Arsenal could achieve this season.

“I think it’s an indication for us that we’re capable of performing even higher than we did last season,” Arteta said.

The Arsenal boss, however, stressed that continued improvement would depend on maintaining the right attitude throughout the campaign.

“It depends on whether we maintain that desire, that humility, and continue every day to find a greater version of myself and the team,” he said.

“We still have a lot to grow and a lot to offer, and that’s the ambition of the team.”

Arteta also singled out Odegaard for praise, saying the Arsenal captain is currently playing at the highest level he has seen from him.

The Norwegian midfielder has benefited from improved fitness and confidence after missing significant periods of football last season.

“First of all, he feels fit and confidence-wise, it’s the highest I’ve seen him,” Arteta said.

Arteta believes Odegaard’s growing understanding with his teammates has also helped him rediscover his best form.

“When you start to feel the chemistry they have between them and what they can produce, it’s great. But for me, he gets to that point because he’s enjoying his football,” he said.

The Arsenal manager added that Odegaard’s willingness to attack, shoot and create opportunities for his teammates was evidence of a player enjoying his football again.

“You have to enjoy what you do, to play with real intent, and that’s what I saw today,” Arteta said.

Arteta also praised Havertz for his contribution to Arsenal’s strong opening to the season, saying the Germany international appears happier and more settled.

“He looks happy. He looks settled, happy, and some great things have happened in his personal life as well,” Arteta said.

“He feels fit, he’s training every day and has this routine right now. He’s scoring goals, but not only that, he’s also doing amazing work for the team.”

Arteta believes the return to fitness of key attacking players could give Arsenal an additional boost after injuries disrupted their campaign last season.

He noted that Havertz, Odegaard and Bukayo Saka all missed significant periods of football, limiting the opportunities for Arsenal’s attacking players to develop consistency together.

The manager now wants the squad to build on its promising start and continue improving collectively and individually.

“It’s no question that we have some great players. I believe in them and that they can improve, and they can have another version of themselves that is even better than what we’ve seen,” Arteta said.