Mikel Arteta tells Arsenal to stay focused for ‘difficult’ Sunderland test

Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to maintain their concentration when they face Sunderland on Saturday, warning his players to expect another demanding contest at the Stadium of Light.

Arsenal surrendered points at Sunderland last season after conceding a late equaliser, and Arteta wants his side to draw on that experience as they prepare to return to the venue.

“We have to focus on the next match,” Arteta said. “We experienced last season how tough the game is going to be tomorrow night. It’s going to be an unbelievable atmosphere.”

The Arsenal manager said his squad had prepared thoroughly and would need to produce another high-level display if they were to secure victory.

“We know the importance of it and we want to compete as we always do. Be better than the opponent and win the game,” he said.

Arteta also offered encouraging news on several injured players following Arsenal’s match against Napoli.

Ben White, who was forced to leave that game after appearing to suffer a problem, is fit. Arteta said Cristhian Mosquera is also progressing and could be back in action soon.

“He’s fine,” Arteta said of White. “He’s doing really well. Let’s see if he can get this game. Or the next one, it will be around that time I think.”

Jurrien Timber could also be involved after training with the squad for several days.

“Let’s see. We have another training session today. He’s been training with us for a few days,” said Arteta.

The manager was also full of praise for Kai Havertz, highlighting the forward’s ability to read situations before they develop and improve the players around him.

“Kai is extremely intelligent. That’s his biggest strength – he’s five to ten seconds ahead of the game,” Arteta said.

“He knows what’s happening, he doesn’t need to talk about it. He just acts. And he makes the people around him better.”

Havertz is now contributing both goals and chances, while Arteta believes the Germany international is in a particularly positive frame of mind.

“He’s scoring goals, producing chances. What he’s producing is outstanding and he’s in a great emotional state at the moment,” he added.

Arsenal’s preparations have also involved adapting to difficulties away from the pitch. Their journey to Naples for the match against Napoli was disrupted by air traffic control problems, but Arteta said such experiences could help his squad become more flexible.

“I love those challenges. I tried to create them in pre-season!” he said.

“When it happens – and it can, the flight can be cancelled or the train is delayed, there is so much traffic – I don’t want the players and staff panicking.”

Arteta also played down predictions from supercomputers that Arsenal are favourites to win the Premier League and Champions League.

“I’m only interested in the probability to win tomorrow,” he said. “That’s the most important thing.”