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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed he will take the EFL Cup seriously and name a strong lineup when the Gunners face Brighton on Thursday night.
THE LOWDOWN: IN-FORM ARSENAL
Arsenal will be looking to keep up their impressive form in a third different competition in the space of six days. Having finished top of their Europa League and currently leading the way in the Premier League, the Gunners will now turn their focus to the EFL Cup.
Over the years, Arsenal have traditionally used the Carabao Cup – now EFL – as an opportunity to field youngsters and other fringe members of the squad. Mikel Arteta is now looking to take a different turn and will instil a different approach to the competition.
The Spanish manager believes that the EFL Cup tie against Brighton & Hove Albion is just as important as the club’s Premier League and Europa League commitments.
Arteta explains why attempting to create squad balance, he would equally ensure that his side will remain as competitive as possible.
THE LATEST: COMPETITIVE SIDE
On his gameplan against Brighton on Wednesday night, Arteta said: “It is a different competition but the purpose is the same, 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.”
The hectic schedule means Arsenal will play 15 games in 43 days, culminating in Saturday’s trip to Wolves. Arteta admits his squad has been pushed to its limit, but also says he has been pleased with the response from his side.
“They’ve dealt with [the fixture list] really well,” he added.
“I think we had a really good pre-season and we put the boys in a really good condition to face this fixture congestion, and 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.”
THE LATEST: RIGHT ATTITUDE
Arsenal have a bigger squad this time around and with that in mind, it makes sense for Arteta to try and remain competitive in all three competitions. The EFL Cup is another chance at silverware and it is only fitting that the Gunners go all out.
