Mikel Arteta challenges Arsenal to keep winning run alive

Arsenal have won their opening seven matches in all competitions and can extend that run against a Brighton side Arteta expects to provide another serious test.

The Arsenal manager said his players must be ready to fight for another victory rather than focus on their impressive record.

"We've got a really tough opponent tomorrow, so we're going to have to really earn the right to win the game," Arteta said.

"Certainly that will be the mindset of the players and the team."

Arteta was also positive about the fitness of his squad, with Ben White among those expected to train before the match.

"Ben is all good," he said. "We have another training session this afternoon, so very positive about everybody."

Arteta also remained hopeful that Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie would be available.

"They are all willing to be part of it, and we have another session to try to make sure they are fit," he said.

David Raya has developed into one of the world's leading goalkeepers after beginning his senior career in the National League, and Arteta believes his journey is an example for young players.

"David, I think it's his mentality," Arteta said.

"Obviously he has tremendous quality, but he has overcome a lot of difficulties, a lot of challenges, to reach to this point."

Arteta praised the work Raya has done with Arsenal's coaching staff and teammates, saying the goalkeeper had "earned the right to be one of the best now".

The Spaniard also dismissed the idea of deciding whether Raya is his best signing.

"He's been a tremendous signing, there's no question about that," Arteta said. "He's helped take the team and the club to a different level, and now we need to maintain that level."

Viktor Gyokeres has yet to play a major number of Premier League minutes, but Arteta rejected suggestions that the striker is struggling with confidence.

"He hasn't played that many minutes, but last week in Napoli he played and had a good game," Arteta said.

The Arsenal boss believes goals and regular playing time will help Gyokeres settle further into the team.

"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 added that Gyokeres and the team are still adapting to each other.

"The team are doing certain different things this season as well, so it's a bit of both," he said.

"Our job and especially my job is to try to fit that in and find those connections and level of confidence for the player to give his best for the team."

Teenager Max Dowman has impressed when given opportunities with the first team, and Arteta believes the best way for the youngster to demand more starts is through his performances.

"That's the best way to knock on the door - to do it on the pitch, not in the office," Arteta said.

"When a player delivers constantly on the pitch every single day in training, that's the best way, that's the best signal for the manager."

Arteta was particularly impressed by Dowman's recent contribution alongside other players who have had fewer minutes.

"What Max did the other day amongst all the players as well that haven't played that many minutes, it was really impressive," he said.

Arteta also believes working alongside Arsenal's senior players will accelerate Dowman's development.

"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," he said.

Arteta also explained why Eberechi Eze has been used on the left wing, pointing to the position where the England international has produced many of his best moments.

"He's always played there in his career," Arteta said.

"That's where all his biggest moments in his career and the highlights of his career have come and I think it's a place that he feels very, very, very comfortable."

Arteta said the decision between Eze and Christos Tzolis will depend on several factors, including form, the opposition and how the players work together.

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