'We're going to pick a very competitive team' - Arsenal's Arteta not taking the EFL Cup lightly

'We're going to pick a very competitive team' - Arsenal's Arteta not taking the EFL Cup lightly

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said he will pick "a very competitive team" for his side's EFL Cup fixture against Brighton on Wednesday.

The Gunners are enjoying a spectacular start to the Premier League season, with 11 wins, one draw and one loss from their opening 13 games.

Their success has translated to European competition as well, boasting five wins from their six Europa League group stage matches to sit atop Group A.

With a congested schedule and the World Cup right around the corner, Arteta could be forgiven for using the EFL Cup as a chance to rotate his squad and give his big names some rest, but he told the media that winning is the priority.

"It is a different competition, but the purpose is the same," he said. "To play as good as we can, win the game and go into the next round.

"You know there are no second chances and we’ll take it very seriously. We’re going to pick a very competitive team. 

"I think everyone deserves chances, and we’ll make some changes with judgement in relation to the load of the players, but we’ll play to win.

"The ones that haven’t played want to have their chance, and feel that they are contributing to the team. The positive thing is that everybody has played games and everyone has been important. 

"We have two games to go, and the focus has to be there because we know that afterwards we have a big break."

While he claims it will be business as usual against Brighton, Arteta pointed out that heavy rotation of his squad has been their new normal this season, and he sees it as an advantage.

"I think we had a really good pre-season and we put the boys in a really good condition to face this fixture congestion," he said. "They have responded extremely well, especially the way we play which is really intense. 

"I think we are the team in Europe who has rotated the most, and obviously that has its benefits as well. When you are winning, the energy is better and the mood is better, but the preparation is a bit easier, so overall I think they have coped with it really well.

"When they have been used, they have performed really well. For periods in games in the Premier League and when they have started games in the Europa League and the Premier League, I think they have been really consistent. 

"It’s a joy of a group to work with because they’re really at it every day."

More News on this


Five signings looking to make an impact in 2023-24

Five signings looking to make an impact in 2023-24


The Premier League transfer window has once again seen eye-watering amounts of money spent by clubs looking to improve their squads ahead of the new season.

With plenty of players settling into new surroundings, there will be intrigue as to who can make the quickest impact.

Read more
Statue of former Arsenal boss Wenger unveiled outside Emirates Stadium

Statue of former Arsenal boss Wenger unveiled outside Emirates Stadium


A bronze statue of former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger lifting the Premier League trophy has been unveiled outside the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger won three top-flight titles and the FA Cup on seven occasions while in charge of the Gunners between October 1996 and May 2018.

Read more
Red-hot Trossard at the double as Gunners down Barcelona

Red-hot Trossard at the double as Gunners down Barcelona


Leandro Trossard was the star of the show last night as Arsenal beat Barcelona 5-3 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. 

Trossard's second-half double helped Mikel Arteta's Premier League runners-up secure a comeback victory over the Spanish champions. 

Read more
Arsenal 0-2 Manchester United: Captain Fernandes and Sancho secure win

Arsenal 0-2 Manchester United: Captain Fernandes and Sancho secure win


Manchester United capitalised on a pair of Arsenal errors as newly-appointed captain Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho got their US tour off to a winning start.

Erik ten Hag’s side finished third last season and took on the Premier League runners-up on Saturday evening at a sold-out MetLife Stadium – potential host of the 2026 World Cup final.

Read more