Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s 1–0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford is proof of how far his team has come, not just in terms of results but also mentality. Speaking after the match, the Gunners boss highlighted the hunger and dissatisfaction in the dressing room, despite breaking yet another long-standing record at one of English football’s most intimidating venues.
**Breaking the Old Trafford Curse** For years, Arsenal struggled to win at Old Trafford. The stadium had been a graveyard for the Gunners’ ambitions, with nearly two decades passing without a meaningful league victory prior to Arteta’s reign. But under the Spaniard, Arsenal have turned the tide.
“I think it was 18 years or 22 years here at Old Trafford without winning before I came,” Arteta reflected. “And now, I go into the dressing room, we won and we are still not happy. Good sign!”
It was a statement that not only celebrated the victory but underlined a cultural shift within his squad. No longer satisfied with simply winning marquee fixtures, Arsenal now demand more in terms of performance, control, and dominance.
**A Hard-Fought Win**
The match itself was a tense, tactical battle. Arsenal took an early lead through Riccardo Calafiori’s header from a Declan Rice corner, and then spent long spells of the game soaking up United’s pressure. David Raya produced a string of crucial saves to keep the hosts at bay, while the defensive partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães stood firm.
Though Manchester United dominated possession, Arsenal’s resilience and organization ultimately saw them through. Still, the sense of frustration among the players after the final whistle was clear. They believed they could have been sharper in attack and killed the game off earlier, rather than sitting back and inviting United pressure.
**Mentality Monsters in the Making**
For Arteta, this attitude is exactly what he wants. He sees dissatisfaction in victory as the hallmark of champions, a sign that his squad is maturing into one that demands excellence every time they step onto the pitch.
“Winning here used to feel impossible for Arsenal,” Arteta said. “Now, we win and the boys are already thinking of what we can do better. That’s the mentality we need.”
**Looking Ahead**
With the victory, Arsenal opened their Premier League season with three valuable points and a strong statement against one of their traditional rivals. But Arteta’s comments made it clear: the job is far from done. The Gunners are not simply chasing big-game wins — they are chasing consistency, dominance, and ultimately, the league title.
For Arsenal fans, hearing their manager downplay a win at Old Trafford is both refreshing and exciting. It signals a team that no longer views such results as the pinnacle but rather as part of a bigger journey. Arteta’s message is simple: Arsenal are no longer satisfied with the occasional scalp. They want it all.