Arteta tells Arsenal to maintain ‘through the roof’ standards against Fleetwood

Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal they must produce their best performance when they visit Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Tuesday, warning that their reputation will not be enough to secure victory.

The Gunners travel to Highbury Stadium after beating Ipswich Town 2-0 in the previous round. It will be the first competitive meeting between Arsenal and the League Two club, with Arteta alert to the possibility of a cup upset.

The Arsenal manager knows the dangers of facing lower-league opposition. He was an unused substitute when Arsenal lost on penalties to Bradford City in the League Cup in 2012.

“Our reputation, our pride, everything is in play,” Arteta said.

He added: “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, and then try to win and try to play a bit better than them.

“We all have one (upset) at some stage. We know the risk, and in football, things can get very equal the moment you are able to match certain things.

“That’s why our basics and habits have to be through the roof to be able to win the game.”

Gyokeres seeking first Arsenal goal

Viktor Gyokeres is expected to be among the players aiming to make an impression after starting Arsenal’s 2-0 Premier League win over Everton. The Sweden striker also played against Ipswich in the previous round.

Gyokeres is still waiting for his first goal of the season, although Arteta remains pleased with his wider contribution and believes continued effort will eventually produce a reward.

“He’s done a lot of good things,” Arteta said after the Everton victory.

“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.”

Max Dowman could also be involved against Fleetwood. The teenager was named Player of the Round after scoring twice in the win over Ipswich.

Arteta has been impressed by Dowman and says Arsenal will require input from throughout the squad as the campaign develops.

Cristhian Mosquera is another possible option after recovering from the injury he sustained during Arsenal’s victory at Aston Villa in August. The defender has been included in the matchday squad for the club’s last three matches.

Arteta praised Mosquera’s displays and stressed the value of having a range of players available.

“When he has played, he’s done really well. We have won some big games playing with him, and we need him,” he said.

The Arsenal boss also identified Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dowman as players capable of making significant contributions.

On Dowman’s recent appearance against Everton, Arteta said: “Today he came in [against Everton] and he seems to be very comfortable. In this kind of position. We’re going to need everybody. I’m convinced of that.”