Mikel Arteta has been around long enough to know that trips to League Two opposition don’t always go to plan. He was on the bench when Arsenal went out of the League Cup to Bradford on penalties in 2012, spared the experience of playing in the defeat but presumably not the journey home.
He also, luckily, missed out on our torture-themed player ratings that night. Swings and roundabouts.
It’s little surprise, then, that the manager has warned his players to “respect” both the game and their opponents ahead of tonight’s trip to Fleetwood Town. Speaking after Saturday’s win over Everton, he made clear he’ll be demanding the usual focus.
“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, 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, and that’s why our basics and habits have to be through the roof to be able to win the game.”
Understandably, Fleetwood are excited about welcoming the reigning Premier League champions to their 5,300-capacity Higbury stadium.
“It is an amazing night for the club and an amazing night for the fans, the town and the area. We have sold out for the first time in 11 or 12 years, which is unbelievable and it is an amazing thing to be a part of,” manager Matt Lawlor told his pre-game press conference.
“We are glad that it is here and we are glad that we are welcoming the best team in the country and the champions of last year – to Highbury.
“The champions are coming to town on our patch, and it’s on telly, so if you can’t get up for this game you can’t get up for any game. The players need to be excited for it, but while respect is through the roof, the fear can’t be.”
Fleetwood, known as the ‘Cod Army, beat Championship side Sheffield United at home in the last round, so they’re certainly no mugs. Lawlor knows tonight presents a different challenge, even if he’s unsure quite which Arsenal players will be coming through the door.
“We don’t have a clue how they’re going to line up,” he said.
“It’s educated guesswork. We’re preparing for a world-class team regardless of who they put out.
“We’re preparing for Arsenal rather than individuals. I can’t have any more respect for someone who has done what Mikel has done.”
“He has created his own version of football, and I could not have any more respect. He does every detail to a very high standard. He is a winner, and he has proved that time and time again.”