Two goals from corners - through William Saliba and Jurrien Timber - sandwiched Piero Hincapie's own goal earned the Gunners the win on Sunday night. The Blues also had Pedro Neto sent off on 70 minutes.
Arteta said afterwards: "Big win, I'm very happy. For big periods the team performed in an excellent way, the margin should have been bigger at half-time. The moment we conceded was painful, but the quality of Chelsea...
"After their red card we should have managed that situation better but we will talk about this tomorrow.
"They have so much quality, even when they use the keeper they can get out of situation with 10 men. We didn't adjust too well, sometimes you take things for granted. Something to improve there.
"They (Chelsea) have players who can occupy various spaces - Cole (Palmer) can play false nine and occupy these spaces, he needs just one square metre to turn and activate players. they have quality, big personalities, they are really well coached. They are so good a turning in tight spaces, Caicedo, Enzo (Fernandez), Cole. It's impressive, they are a top side."
On the importance of set-pieces this season, Arteta also said: "Very important, Chelsea are the second best with one less goal, look at the talent they have. We have lost points to long throws, lately we haven't scored from many set-pieces. Today we did it, to have these options is great.
"They can be a nightmare to defend against. On tactics boards we can resolve any situation, but when it's live and they are so aggressive, pushy, effective, difficult to handle, it's very tough.
And on bouncing back from last week's Wolves draw, Arteta concluded: "The way we have reacted to that disappointing result has been top. The manner we dealt with that was top. I thought we were good, good human beings and wanting to win, but the level they are in now is another one.
"The feeling that you have to continue to win and win and win, you win so many games but it is not enough to open a gap. This is the beauty and the level of this league."
The result moved Arsenal five points clear at the top of the Premier League table from second-place Manchester City.