Every word Mikel Arteta said on West Ham rotation, Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey and Ballon d'Or

Is Newcastle on your mind despite this game coming first?

Nothing. We just have to beat West Ham. It’s a competition that we have the chance to progress and win a trophy and our mindset has to be focused on West Ham.

How big of an opportunity is this for your team with the likes of Man City dropping out?

We are doing what we are doing, being consistent and playing better than the opponent and tomorrow against West Ham is going to be a really tough game, it always is away from home against them. We have to continue with the form and the momentum that we are in.

Is this a similar challenge to the Brentford game?

The context is a bit different because we’ve picked up some injuries and we don’t have so much availability in terms of the squad. But we prepare the game the same way we did there and try to win it.

Will Declan Rice play against his old side?

He’s likely. He can be involved, it would be his first time back there at his old club and a beautiful moment for him. I think its beautiful, I had the experience to do it a few times and then you really see what they think of you and what you left at that club. It’s really good way to measure your experience and the reality of your reality with the people who shared those moments with you.

What type of reception do you think he will get, a good one?

I would say so and I hope so. Especially because every time you hear him talk about West Ham and what they did for him and everybody at the club, he cannot speak any more highly. Hopefully, it will be the same way towards him.

Do you want to play Nketiah to keep momentum going or rest in order to preserve him?

Both. We have to be conscious with the amount of minutes they play because he’s started a lot of games in the Premier League.