Speaking to the press after Arsenal's first trophy of the season, the head coach pointed to the mentality his squad had shown throughout pre-season as the foundation for the victory.
"I'm obviously extremely happy with the performance, the result and winning the first trophy," Mikel Arteta said. "We talked about the desire that we have to start the season and to show ourselves how much we want it, and I certainly saw a lot of positive things there against a top opponent."
Tzolis was a standout performer on his first major outing since arriving at the club, and Arteta was quick to praise the winger's composure in the final third.
"I think he's coming to the team really organically; he's fitting, he's a really intelligent boy and he has a massive quality which is when he's in the last 20-30 metres," he said. "He's so composed to pick people out around the box or to finish actions, and he's shown that again two or three times and he was decisive."
Arteta credited his players' pre-season application, including several who returned early after the World Cup, for laying the platform for the win.
"I think it's down to the preparation that we've done in pre-season, and the decisions that the boys have taken after the World Cup to continue to get prepared, to come early because they wanted to be part of this," he said. "I'm very impressed with the manner that we played, especially in the manner that we competed, so that's a standard for us."
On Riccardo Calafiori's early strike and his growing attacking threat from left-back, Arteta was equally effusive.
"I think he can be a total player," he said. "He has this intuition, his timing to create goals, to score goals, but at the same time we ask him the defensive duties to do what he has to do... if we keep him fit and available and with that physical condition, he's a top player."
Martin Odegaard's display also pleased Arteta after a difficult run of fitness issues last season.
"He missed five or six months for different things and it was extremely difficult for him to get any momentum. I'm sure this year if we can maintain him fit, we're going to see a very different Martin," he said.
Arteta was asked whether Arsenal's midfield could be considered the best in the world, and offered a measured response focused on balance rather than individual reputation.
"It's the best midfield for Arsenal, that's for sure," he said. "Everybody complements with their qualities to the player next to them, and that diversity with the qualities that we need in relation to the opponent... that's a really strong thing to have."
The head coach also confirmed the club remain active in the market for defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
"We know that there are certain areas that, through injuries, we are weaker and we need to strengthen. We are trying to do that, we've been trying to do that for weeks, so only the right opportunity and the club is available to do it, we will do it."