Mikel Arteta demands focus as Arsenal prepare for 'difficult' Sunderland clash

Arsenal dropped points at Sunderland last season after conceding a late equaliser, and Arteta is determined that his side learn from that experience when they return to the Stadium of Light.

"We have to focus on the next match," Arteta said. "We experienced last season how tough the game is going to be tomorrow night. It's going to be an unbelievable atmosphere."

The Arsenal manager said his players have prepared carefully for the challenge and must concentrate on delivering another strong performance.

"We know the importance of it and we want to compete as we always do. Be better than the opponent and win the game," he said.

Arteta also provided a positive injury update following Arsenal's match against Napoli. Ben White, who limped off during the game, is fit, while the club is hopeful that Cristhian Mosquera will soon return to action.

"He's fine," Arteta said of White. "He's doing really well. Let's see if he can get this game. Or the next one, it will be around that time I think."

There is also a possibility of Jurrien Timber returning, with the defender having trained with the squad for several days.

"Let's see. We have another training session today. He's been training with us for a few days," Arteta said.

Arteta was also impressed by Havertz, who he believes brings an unusual level of intelligence to Arsenal's attack.

"Kai is extremely intelligent. That's his biggest strength - he's five to ten seconds ahead of the game," Arteta said.

"He knows what's happening, he doesn't need to talk about it. He just acts. And he makes the people around him better."

Arteta added that Havertz is now contributing goals and chances while enjoying a strong period emotionally.

"He's scoring goals, producing chances. What he's producing is outstanding and he's in a great emotional state at the moment," he said.

The Arsenal manager also praised his squad's ability to deal with disruption after their journey to Naples was affected by air traffic control problems.

Rather than seeing the travel difficulties as a problem, Arteta believes such situations can help players learn how to adapt.

"I love those challenges. I tried to create them in pre-season!" he said.

"When it happens - and it can, the flight can be cancelled or the train is delayed, there is so much traffic - I don't want the players and staff panicking."

Arteta also dismissed talk of Arsenal being favourites to win the Premier League and Champions League according to supercomputer predictions.

"I'm only interested in the probability to win tomorrow," he said. "That's the most important thing."

READ MORE: 'We're on the right track' - Joao Cancelo targets Champions League title with Barcelona