Thomas Partey’s outstanding display during the match, describing it as “one of the best performances” he has seen from the midfielder.
On Tuesday night, Arsenal dominated, with first-half goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Magalhaes giving them a commanding 3-0 lead by the break.
Sporting briefly responded through Gonçalo Inacio early in the second half, but Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard added to the tally, ensuring a convincing win for the Gunners.
Partey shone in his midfield role, and Arteta expressed confidence in the 31-year-old’s potential to be a key player for the team this season.
‘I think it’s one of the best performances I have seen from him, especially the way he’s dominated the game so that’s the level he can play, he’s progressing,’ Arteta said of Partey.
‘This year he’s been so consistent as well because he always has a role, that’s a big thing, he’s a massive player for us.’
Asked whether Arsenal’s win could be considered a ‘statement’ to other teams in the Champions League, Arteta said: ‘For sure, the performance was there a few times and when we have played big teams, when we have played PSG, we were exceptional, again, when we played Bayern we were exceptional and some mistakes cost us.
‘Now it’s Inter, now it’s this level, that’s the level we have to be able to cope and you have to make it happen, then that creates belief, then on the next one the players will be better prepared. We need that consistency because the ability to do it is there.’
Arteta was also confident of seeing more from his squad with players now returning from injury.
Asked what had changed since the international break, Arteta said: ‘A lot, because we were training with 11-12 players for a long period so they could not train and play and then suddenly almost everybody is fit and available.
‘It’s true, we are still managing certain players but their level is rising. I have no doubt we have the right ability, we are going to be a really good side.’
