Riccardo Calafiori nodded in after 13 minutes from Declan Rice’s corner after United goalkeeper Altay Bayındır tipped the ball into the path of the unmarked Italian.
The biggest story of the day from an Arsenal perspective, however, was the debutant Gyökores, who showed some promising early signs in a unique physical battle with United defender Matthias De Ligt but did not look match fit as he turned out in Arsenal colours for the very first time.
Arteta said: “He did a lot of things very good. You can tell, especially in our high-pressing rhythm, we demand that, especially in the first hour.
“Again, he took too much time. It’s something we have to work on with him, especially there.
“And then, yeah, finalising the situation, he didn’t have that many chances to do that because, as I said, on the previous action, before we had to play that last ball that the line was standing still with 40 metres behind. We then managed to put the ball through to exploit his quality.
“But overall, I mean, coming away to Manchester United, winning your first game with Arsenal, it’s a good start.”
The Gunners struggled to control the tempo of the game and were exposed to several United counter-attacks throughout a topsy-turvy first half.
Arteta added: “A big, big result coming into the first game of the season at Old Trafford. When you feel they (Manchester United) are building something special and momentum with the new signings and they want to kick on the season in a good way and you are able to come away with the win, I think I’m very happy I’m part of the team.”
Calafiori grabbed the only goal of the game with Arsenal on the back foot, capitalising on an error from Bayandir to open the scoring against the run of play.
After a frustrating debut campaign in north London, Arteta feels as if the Italian defender has re-energised and can look forward to a promising second season at the Emirates.
The Spaniard said: “He has the capacity to change the energy. He comes into the room, and he changes the energy in the room, he changes the energy in the team. He has an aura, he has a presence that is special.
“He’s a player that is very unpredictable for the opponent because he can occupy very different spaces, he can do things in and around your box, in the middle, in the opposition box, and it’s very difficult to predict.
“So, I’m very happy with him.”
Arteta also reflected on his time as Arsenal boss coming up against United, having now gone six Premier League matches unbeaten against the Gunners’ old rivals.
When asked about Arsenal’s record against the ‘Big Six’, Arteta said: “Well, I think that was the case. I was 18 years old, 22 years here, travelling without winning before I came, and now, I go in the dressing room, we won here the first game, and we are still happy. Good sign.”
The Gunners host newly promoted Leeds United in their first Premier League home fixture of the new season on Saturday (5.30pm).