Arteta demands more from Arsenal as Brighton test perfect start
By Joel Masibo, September 19, 2026Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has challenged his players to maintain their strong start to the season when they face Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, September 19, 2026, insisting they will have to earn the right to extend their winning run.
The Gunners head into the Premier League encounter at the Amex Stadium having won their opening seven matches in all competitions, but Arteta is fully aware of the challenge posed by Brighton before the international break.
“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.
Arsenal have shown consistency both at home and away, with Arteta praising the mentality of his squad as they attempt to impose their style regardless of the venue.
“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,” he said.
The manager also played down suggestions that Arsenal’s early-season success could be compared with the club’s famous Invincibles campaign.
“We just have enough on the plate today to prepare for the game against a really good Brighton tomorrow,” Arteta said. “We know how tough that’s going to be to earn the right to win it, that’s it.”
Arteta also provided an update on the fitness of several defenders ahead of the match, saying Ben White was in good shape while Timber, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie were also working towards being available.
“Ben is all good, we have another training session this afternoon, so very positive about everybody,” he said.
The Arsenal boss also backed Viktor Gyokeres to find his rhythm after a relatively limited start to his Premier League campaign.
“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,” Arteta said.
“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.”
Arteta believes the adaptation process works both ways, with the team also evolving around the Swedish striker.
“I think the team are doing certain different things this season as well, so it’s a bit of both,” he explained. “But that’s not just for Viktor; it’s for everybody – it’s the constant evolution of the player and team.”
Youngster Max Dowman has also caught the manager’s attention after impressing with his opportunities, and Arteta said the teenager can earn more playing time through his performances rather than conversations away from the pitch.
“That’s the best way to knock on the door – to do it on the pitch, not in the office,” Arteta said.
The Spaniard also praised the influence of senior players in supporting younger members of the squad, highlighting the encouragement shown to Dowman during matches.
“You cannot coach that. I think you have it or you don’t, because it’s a split-second, a very emotional reaction when you are in the middle of the game, and I absolutely loved it,” he said.
Arteta also expressed satisfaction with Ezri Konsa’s integration into the Arsenal squad, particularly his developing partnership with Gabriel.
“We talk about Big Gabi, when you see those two in the corridors talking, the way they interact with each other, it seems like they’ve been here for a long, long, long time together,” he said.
On his own future, Arteta offered reassurance to Arsenal supporters amid speculation over a new contract.
“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,” he said.
For now, however, Arteta’s attention remains firmly on Brighton, with Arsenal looking to preserve their perfect start before the extended international break.