Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s fundamentals should be “through the roof” when they face Fleetwood Town in the EFL Cup fourth round on Tuesday.
Arsenal and Fleetwood have never met in any competition before, with the League 2 side winless in all five of their history against top-flight opposition (1 L4).
The “gunners”, who lost to “Manchester City” in the final of the last season, won against “Ipswich Town” in the third round with a score of 4:2 and continued to fight in the competition.
And they come into this game in fine form, extending their unbeaten run to five games (4 D1) in all competitions thanks to a 2-0 win over Everton, which saw them level on points with Premier League leaders City.
But Arteta has stressed how important it is for Arsenal not to be complacent against lower league opponents.
“Our reputation, our pride, everything is at stake,” Arteta said.
“So every time you play a football match, especially against a team in a different division, respect the game, respect every opponent because they deserve it, then try to win and play a little bit better than them.
“We all have one [upset] at some stage.
“We know the risk and in football when you can adapt to certain things things can become very even and so our fundamentals and habits have to be through the roof to be able to win the game.”
Heading to Highbury
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 26, 2026
This will be Arsenal’s 10th EFL Cup match against a team from the fourth tier of English football – they have been promoted from eight of their previous nine games.
The only exception was in 2012-13 when they lost on penalties after a 1-1 draw against Bradford City in the most recent such game.
Fleetwood, meanwhile, are in the fourth round of the competition for the first time and manager Matt Lawlor has urged his players not to fear the Premier League champions as they face a tough challenge.
“It’s an amazing night for the club and an amazing night for the fans, the city and the area,” he told BBC Radio Lancashire.
“It’s the first time we’ve sold out in 11 or 12 years, which is incredible and an amazing thing to be a part of.
“We are delighted to be here and to welcome the best team in the country and last year’s champions to Highbury.
“The champs are coming to town on our patch and it’s on TV, so if you can’t get up to this game, you can’t get up to any game. The players have to be excited about it, but while the respect is through the roof, there can’t be any fear.”