Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Thursday’s Premier League game against Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Arteta did not really discuss how they felt on seeing title rivals Manchester City’s comeback win over Liverpool and said there are “things we cannot control”. He added: “We have to focus on ourselves. They were really happy when we beat Sunderland. Let’s put all the energy into what we do.”
• A reasonable portion of the news conference focused around the sacking of Tottenham boss Thomas Frank. Arteta said: “It’s very sad news when a colleague doesn’t continue doing his job. He is an excellent coach and an extraordinary man. He’s proved that in the league. I wish him all the very best.”
• On how to stay in a job, he said: “The first one is if you have the players right behind you. And then you have to win a lot of games. Creating that chemistry with everyone at the club. And win a lot of games. The percentage of wins has to be high if you want to continue in the job. I’m very happy. That’s what we all wanted from the beginning. We have been able to bring stability, joy and progression to the club. Hopefully this season we’ll be better.”
• On another similar question on his time at Arsenal, he added: “Something I learned, you can have an idea but the players’ qualities are the most important thing. Asking them to do something they’re not comfortable with won’t work long term.”
• They face Spurs in a week and a half and Arteta was asked about the challenge of facing a different manager. “It happens a lot of times already this season for us,” he said. “Focus more on us and what we want to achieve. We have to be able to adapt.”
• On midfielder Martin Zubimendi enjoying his most prolific season: “Credit to Mikel Merino showing him the celebration and how to arrive in the box. The first time I spoke to him he said he was a bit constrained to go forward in his position. He’s been incredible.”
• On striker Viktor Gyokeres scoring more goals: “Not much [has changed]. His work ethic remains the same. Probably the energy and confidence, once you start to score and assist you start to believe it will happen and it increases. When he got himself fresh and available [after an injury] everything lifted and now he’s clicking.”
• Arteta was only asked briefly about opponents Brentford. “The past few results – amazing,” he said. “Big credit to them because they’re a top side.”

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