But they had him craving one of his trademark cigarettes during a "horrible" 15 minutes when the Gunners forced their way back into a frenetic Premier League London derby.
In a devastating start to Sarri's first game at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea pinned Arsenal in their own half and raced into a 2-0 lead within 20 minutes thanks to goals from Spain duo Pedro and Alvaro Morata.
Italy midfielder Jorginho, who Sarri brought with him from Napoli, was commanding in the heart of midfield and Ross Barkley, who barely featured under previous Chelsea coach Antonio Conte, looked strong and confident.
Alvaro Morata of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with team mate Ross Barkley during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on August 18, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.
Image credit: Getty Images
"I think we did really very well in the first 25 minutes today," Sarri told reporters.
"But we need to continue and press and press and press in the other half. Otherwise, for us it is maybe a problem. I hope that we are able to play 90 minutes like the first 25."
On the touch-line, Sarri, wearing a baggy blue T-shirt and track-suit trousers, waved his arms in frustration as he implored his players to close Arsenal down in their own half as the Gunners showed signs of fighting their way into the game.
Despite Sarri barking his orders, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi scored in the 37th and 41st minutes and the Gunners wasted several chances to go into the break ahead.
Arsenal's Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan shoots to scores Arsenal's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on August 18, 2018.
Image credit: Getty Images
"The 15 minutes at the end of the first half was horrible. I enjoyed the match for 75 minutes, not in the other 15. In the other 15 it was better to smoke, I think," Sarri, who is a heavy smoker, said.
He played down talk of Chelsea contesting the title, despite winning their first two games of the season, saying his side needed to learn to keep up their tempo.
Chelsea clinched the win when Marcos Alonso became their third Spaniard to score, converting a cross from substitute Eden Hazard who came on as a substitute in the 81st minute.
Chelsea's Italian head coach Maurizio Sarri (L) prepares to bring on Chelsea's Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard (C) and Chelsea's Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic (R) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford
Image credit: Getty Images
Sarri said he started the match with Hazard on the bench because he still seemed tired after helping take Belgium to the World Cup semi-finals in July. But he said Hazard would probably be ready to play 90 minutes within one or two weeks.
Arsenal coach Unai Emery, who also moved to London this summer to replace Arsene Wenger, said he took positives from the defeat.
He said he remained calm despite having no points from Arsenal's first two matches of the season, including last weekend's 2-0 defeat by champions Manchester City.
Arsenal's Spanish head coach Unai Emery gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on August 18, 2018.
Image credit: Getty Images
"I think we need to give the players calm and to continue working," he said.
"For me there were many things positive in the first match against Manchester City. And then today I think the team competed well, had chances in the match, and also the young players are playing each match and they are growing up with us." (Editing by Ed Osmond)
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2018/08/18/2400507-49908910-2560-1440.jpg)
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2018/08/18/2400505-49908870-2560-1440.jpg)
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2018/08/18/2400653-49911830-2560-1440.jpg)
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2018/08/18/2400590-49910570-2560-1440.jpg)