Arteta warns Arsenal to 'show the shirt' ahead of Fleetwood test
Mikel Arteta has told his Arsenal players their reputation and pride are on the line when they travel to League Two side Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Tuesday night.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta was blunt about what he expects from his squad against lower league opposition. "Show them the Arsenal shirt and what we represent and that's it. We need to go there and win the game. That's it. It's very simple. Our reputation, our pride, everything is in play. So every time you play a football match and especially against a team in a different division, respect the game, respect every opponent because they deserve to do that. Then try to win and try to play a bit better than them," he said, according to football.london.
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Arsenal reached this stage with a 4-2 win at Ipswich Town in September, a game that saw 16 year old Max Dowman score twice alongside goals from Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino. Arteta's side will also be mindful of Sunday's trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, who have won each of their past four matches since losing 3-0 to Manchester City.
Arteta on the threat of an upset
Asked whether a shock result was possible given his own history in the competition, Arteta pointed to the fine margins involved. "We have all won at some stage and we know with the risk and in football things can get very equal the moment you are able to match certain things. That's what our basics and habits have to be through the roof to be able to win a game," he explained.
On Viktor Gyokeres, who impressed during Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton at the Emirates, Arteta was encouraged despite the striker not scoring. "Yeah, I think he was unlucky two or three moments. He's in front of goal, he's won the position to both centre backs and the ball doesn't get there. But he's done a lot of good things I think today again and we need to keep insisting. I think he had a really good contribution in Munich as well when he came on. He helped us to change the game and that's what we need from all of them," he said.
Opportunity for fringe players
With several players short of regular starts, Arteta suggested Tuesday's tie could offer chances without committing to specifics. "Well, let's see. Let's see tomorrow where everybody is because individually as well we have put so much demand in so many players. And see how we can now plan the next week," he said.
On Cristhian Mosquera's situation behind Gabriel, William Saliba and Ezri Konsa competition, Arteta praised his contribution so far. "When he plays and when he has played he's done really well. We have won some big games playing with him and we need him. And the same with Myles in another way and with the way he's playing. Or Max today, he came in and he seems to be very comfortable in this kind of position. So, we're going to need everybody, I'm convinced of that."
Asked directly if Dowman would start against Fleetwood, Arteta kept his cards close to his chest, simply replying, "Let's see." Arsenal's team selection, and whether the teenager gets another opportunity, will become clear when the sides meet at Highbury Stadium.
