Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to remain focused on the immediate task of facing Brighton & Hove Albion rather than getting carried away by their impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign.
Arsenal travel to the Amex Stadium on Saturday, September 19, 2026, looking to maintain their perfect run, with Arteta’s side having won their opening seven matches across all competitions. A victory against Brighton would extend that sequence to eight games and keep the Gunners’ strong start intact.
Despite the momentum surrounding his team, Arteta insisted his players must concentrate fully on the challenge posed by Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton side.
“We’ve got a really tough opponent tomorrow, so we’re going to have to really earn the right to win the game, but certainly that will be the mindset of the players and the team,” Arteta said.
The Arsenal manager also rejected suggestions that the club’s current form should prompt comparisons with the legendary Invincibles team.
“We just have enough on the plate today to prepare for the game against a really good Brighton tomorrow. We know how tough that’s going to be to earn the right to win it, that’s it.”
Arteta’s comments underline his desire to prevent the unbeaten start from becoming a distraction, particularly with Saturday’s fixture coming before an extended international break.
The Spaniard revealed that Ben White is available, while Timber, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie were also pushing to prove their fitness ahead of the match.
“Ben is all good, we have another training session this afternoon, so very positive about everybody,” he said.
Arsenal’s impressive opening has also placed attention on their ability to perform consistently away from home. Arteta said maintaining the same identity regardless of the venue has been an important feature of the team’s performances.
“That’s one of the challenges of the schedule, and the team has responded so well. Playing with dominance, it doesn’t really matter if we play at home or away, we want to be the same team and we want to cause the same kind of problems to the opposition.”
Arteta also addressed Viktor Gyokeres’ adaptation to the team after the striker’s relatively limited Premier League minutes. He dismissed concerns over the forward’s confidence and called for patience and support.
“No, obviously, especially in the Premier League he hasn’t played that many minutes, but last week in Napoli he played and had a good game. That’s about moments as well, we need to give him all the support and confidence that he needs because we know the player we have, the capacity he has to score goals and what he can give to the team.”
The manager further explained that integrating Gyokeres is part of a wider process involving both the player and the team.
“I think the team are doing certain different things this season as well, so it’s a bit of both. But that’s not just for Viktor; it’s for everybody – it’s the constant evolution of the player and team.”
Another major talking point was 16-year-old Max Dowman, whose recent performances have increased attention around the academy graduate. Arteta said the youngster’s route to greater involvement is straightforward: continue producing on the pitch.
“That’s the best way to knock on the door – to do it on the pitch, not in the office,” Arteta said.
He also praised the young midfielder’s ability to thrive within an experienced first-team environment, arguing that the standards around him can accelerate his development.
“When you see how those players behave daily, you know the level of attention they put into any detail, the way they look after themselves, the standard that they set. If you become part of that environment, that’s only going to raise your level.”
Away from Saturday’s game, Arteta offered reassurance over his own contract situation, saying there was no cause for concern regarding his future at Arsenal.
“I think we are all very much aligned; whenever the time is right, we’ll get that done. There is nothing to be concerned about.”
The manager also praised David Raya’s journey from the National League to the Champions League level, highlighting the goalkeeper’s persistence and the work that went into his development.
“David, I think it’s his mentality. Obviously he has tremendous quality, but he has overcome a lot of difficulties, a lot of challenges, to reach this point.” He said.
For Arsenal, however, the immediate priority remains Brighton, as they aim to stretch their perfect start to the new campaig.
