Arteta demands more from Arsenal despite comeback victory over Chelsea

Mikel Arteta said he was “very disappointed” by the way Arsenal conceded an early goal despite their 2-1 comeback win against Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Chelsea took the lead after only two minutes when new signing Morgan Rogers finished for the visitors. Arsenal responded with goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard to secure victory in the third round of the Premier League.

Arteta said the manner of Chelsea’s opening goal was a concern, although he acknowledged the quality of Rogers’ finish.

“I am very disappointed with the way we conceded the goal, but credit to them as well for the great final touch Morgan [Rogers] produced,” the Arsenal manager told Sky Sports.

The result extended Arsenal’s positive start, but Arteta focused on the way his side reacted after falling behind. He praised the atmosphere at Emirates Stadium and said the performance had shown the energy, attacking intent and effectiveness he expects from his players.

“It was a pleasure to watch our team play and compete,” Arteta said, as quoted by the BBC. “We saw some outstanding individual performances and the atmosphere in the stadium was great. I am interested in our reaction. We demand more energy, effectiveness and attacking intent, and you saw that today.”

Arsenal’s attacking options have been affected by a series of lengthy absences. Arteta said players had been unavailable for six months, five months, three-and-a-half months in Bukayo Saka’s case, and seven months for Havertz.

“We missed players for six months, five months, Saka for three and a half months and Havertz for seven months,” he said. “Even so, the team’s performance was amazing last season.”

The manager also highlighted the contribution of Greek forward Christos Tzolis, describing the new arrival as impressive once again. Tzolis was praised for the threat he offered, his work rate and the quality of his decision-making.

“He was amazing again,” Arteta said. “He showed that. His level of threat, his work rate and his decision-making are wonderful to watch.”

David Raya was another player to receive praise from Arteta after the Arsenal goalkeeper made an important save from Estevao. The manager also valued Raya’s command of aerial balls and his ability to deal confidently with crosses.

“That save he made against Estevao with that individual move was important,” said Arteta. “His presence and the way he catches every cross individually are extremely helpful.”

Arsenal overturned Chelsea’s early advantage to claim all three points, but Arteta’s comments underlined the standards he continues to demand from his side despite the victory.