The San Sebastian native was delighted with the 2-0 Champions League win as Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard struck late at San Mames.
Arteta said afterwards: "Yes, what an amazing place to play football, and I say one of the best atmospheres that I've played. A really tough match. We knew that the first 20 to 25 minutes were going to be really tough, especially the way they played. So intense, a lot of direct play, a lot of goals.
"And I think after that, we started to grow throughout the game. In the second half, we were much more dominant and looked much more of a threat. And at the end, the conditions, they made an impact for us to win the game. And overall, very happy."
On Martinelli and Trossard coming off the bench to score, Arteta continued: "That they are at least equally important or more important that we have this squad. That the finishers are going to be more important this season than the starters.
"And we can change again there, especially with the intensity that we play when the team starts to drop off. I'm very pleased to see that. And Piero (Hincapie) comes in and plays six minutes, the best six minutes he's played. Cristhian (Mosquera) is the same, and that's the attitude that we need from all of us.
"I adore Gabriel. His attitude, his commitment, his positivity, what he's willing to do for the team. As a family, we certainly value all the qualities that he has, and he brings to the team. And I'm so happy that today he's decided he can cross in the two options.
"I was sure that Gabby was going to react like that. You raise the level to Gabby and he was going to do that. He has such a mentality. He's a player that is constantly willing to learn and he broke himself, demanding more from himself. And that's the moment that hopefully is going to give him the confidence again to go, because he's an outstanding player."
On playing at San Mames, Arteta added, "I loved it. I really loved it. You spoke about inspiration. I think that's the word I'd use. The connection that people have, the passion with which they live the game, the game, their team. And that's inevitable, that energy is transmitted to the players, and that's why I knew it was going to be a very difficult game."