The Premier League side visit Highbury Stadium on Tuesday for a fourth-round tie and their first-ever meeting with Fleetwood. Arsenal reached this stage by beating Ipswich Town 4-2, while the League Two hosts advanced with a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United.
Arteta knows how quickly a mismatch can become uncomfortable. He was part of the Arsenal squad that lost to Bradford City in the 2012-13 competition, when the League Two side won a quarter-final on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
“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.”
The manager also addressed Viktor Gyökeres, who started Arsenal’s 2-0 Premier League win over Everton but has yet to score for the club. Arteta was encouraged by the striker’s wider contribution, including his impact off the bench against Bayern Munich.
“He’s done a lot of good things,” Arteta said. “We need to keep insisting. I think he had a really good contribution in Munich as well when he came on, he helped us to change the game, and that’s what we need from all of them.”
Teenager Max Dowman is another player in contention after being voted player of the round for his two-goal display against Ipswich. Defender Cristhian Mosquera, meanwhile, has returned to the matchday squad after an injury sustained at Aston Villa in August.
“When he has played, he’s done really well. We have won some big games playing with him, and we need him. The same with Myles [Lewis-Skelly] in another way and looking at the way he’s playing.
“Or Max, today he came in [against Everton] and he seems to be very comfortable. In this kind of position. We’re going to need everybody. I’m convinced of that.”
Arteta’s message is clear: Arsenal must bring their best habits to Fleetwood if they are to avoid a cup upset.
Fleetwood have reached the fourth round for the first time, giving the Lancashire club a landmark home occasion. Arsenal, meanwhile, will be expected to manage the tie professionally despite the likely changes to their starting line-up.