Now, with demons of the past to face up to and set straight, the Spaniard will be keen to ensure his side pick up where they left off. It was the atmosphere and controversy of a late afternoon summer's day at the Emirates Stadium plus some key internal grit, that got the Gunners across the line against their old enemy but the boss will now be after improved performances.
Arteta has struggled to settle on a team this season due to defensive injuries, transfer thoughts and tactical tweaks but it was back to the tried and trusted against the Red Devils. Away to Everton, who will be buoyed on by memories of a 1-0 win over the table toppers last season, a mixture of technical dominance and serious fight will be needed once more.
Luckily for Arteta there are very few issues for him to have to deal with. Oleksandr Zinchenko returned to the team against United, his first start of the season, whilst Gabriel Magalhaes' appearance seemed to settle the backline. The Brazilian allowed Ben White to return to his favoured spot at right-back and order resumed.Gabriel was at the centre of some mid-international break fitness concerns after he was the subject of a high challenge whilst playing for Brazil. The 25-year-old was later spotted with an ice pack on his leg but fears were put to one side when he started his second game in a row against Bolivia.
There were similar worries for Bukayo Saka after the English player of the year was once again on the receiving end of some tough tackles. Against Ukraine he was kicked around as is seemingly standard now and reports suggested that he is still struggling with an Achilles issue that was reoccurring throughout last season.
Saka was then a substitute for England's win over Scotland, a more comfortable affair for the 22-year-old. "He’s fine. He trained normally today so there’s nothing to report there," Arteta said when asked about his physical state. "Every player has pains or issues but it’s nothing to worry about."
Whilst Saka is fit, teammate Thomas Partey remains out. He was left out of Ghana's squad for the recent fixtures with a groin issue. Partey also had to sit out the win over United, watching on from the sidelines in north London instead.
"He’s still a few weeks away. He’s got a muscle injury. He’s progressing well," Arteta said of his key defensive midfielder. Mohamed Elneny is also recovering, in his case from a long-term injury, but is getting closer to a return. The Egyptian was pictured back in training at London Colney earlier this week and is working on building up sharpness.
Jurrien Timber is also out of the game. David Raya is likely to be behind Aaron Ramsdale for now as well as he tries to force his way into Arteta's plans. It's not expected to be a squad full of surprises as things settle down heading into the autumn.
Goalkeepers: Aaron Ramsdale, David Raya
Defenders: Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, Jorginho
Attackers: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson
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