Mikel Arteta warns Arsenal stars over complacency against Fleetwood after recalling big Carabao Cup upset
Gunners face the lowest-ranked team left in the cup competition
Fleetwood sit 18th in League Two and they host the Gunners on Tuesday night in the fourth round, looking to pull of a massive shock.
However, Arteta has urged his players to show Fleetwood the maximum respect by ensuring there is no let-up in the performance levels.
The Spaniard is expecting his pre-match team talk to be a very simple one at Highbury Stadium.
“Show them the Arsenal shirt and what we represent and that’s it,” Arteta said. “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 that.
Arsenal visit Highbury Stadium in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Tuesday night
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Arteta was in the Arsenal squad in 2012 when Arsene Wenger’s side fell to one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history.
The Gunners were beaten on penalties by Bradford in the quarter-finals, serving as a reminder to Arteta of what can happen if Arsenal do not turn up with the right attitude.
“We all had one at some stage and we know the risk,” Arteta said.
“In football, things can get very equal the moment you are able to match certain things.
“That’s when our basics and habits have to be through the roof to be able to win the game.”