Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring after just 24 seconds, before further goals by Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard sealed a dominant performance from the Gunners.
Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for a league trophy last season and Arteta was delighted that his charges continue to show their desire their improve as they seek back-to-back top-flight titles.
Arteta told reporters after the game: "We talked about the desire we have to start the season and to show ourselves how much we want it and I saw a lot of positive things against a top opponent.
"I'm very impressed in the manner that we played, in the manner that we competed. That's the standard for us. If we drive the standards at this level, I'm sure that we're going to be really, really competitive."
Arteta was also full of praise for new signing Christos Tzolis, with the winger involved in all three goals against City at the Principality Stadium.
The Arsenal mentor added: "He is a really intelligent boy and he has a massive quality, which is when he is in the last 20-30m (of the pitch) he is so composed to pick people out in and around the box.
"And also to finish actions and he has shown that again two or three times. He was decisive."
Enzo Maresca admits Manchester City need a "reset" ahead of the Premier League season after starting a new era with a 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the Community Shield in Cardiff.
With the English Premier League (EPL) set to resume next week, clubs have been busy reshaping their squads during a transfer window that has produced several eye-catching moves.
Arsenal made an emphatic statement ahead of their Premier League title defence by sweeping aside Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.
Mikel Arteta has moved to reassure Arsenal fans over his future at the club, insisting there is no reason for concern despite having only 12 months remaining on his contract.
