Mikel Arteta warns Arsenal stars over complacency against Fleetwood after recalling big Carabao Cup upset

Arteta warns Arsenal to avoid complacency against League Two side Fleetwood, recalling Bradford's 2012 penalty upset.

Mikel Arteta has cautioned his Arsenal players against underestimating Fleetwood Town in Tuesday's Carabao Cup fourth round tie at Highbury Stadium. Fleetwood sit 18th in League Two, but Arteta is determined to ensure his squad shows proper respect to their lower-division opponents.

The, former Arsenal manager recalled the painful memory of 2012, when he was part of the Gunners squad that lost to Bradford City on penalties in the quarter-finals—one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history. "Our reputation, our pride, everything is in play," Arteta said. "Respect the game, respect every opponent because they deserve that."

Arsenal are expected to rotate significantly for the fixture, which falls in a congested period ahead of their weekend trip to Anfield to face Liverpool. Arteta's message to his players is straightforward: show the Arsenal shirt means something and go out to win.