Arteta on 'being more efficient', 'incredible' Saliba and West Ham

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at West Ham (kick-off 17:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Arteta said he will "wait and see" on the fitness of some of his players, including defender Gabriel.

• On two impressive wins since returning from the international break: "I don't link character to winning. This team showed unbelievable character against Inter and lost, they showed it against Chelsea and didn't manage to win. The same players, the same intentions, being more efficient and winning matches - that's the difference."

• He continued: "Winning lifts the energy and confidence. They were two big wins and now it's about consistency, getting that momentum, taking it even further against a good opponent on Saturday and trying to replicate the performances to win the game."

• Asked if there is a feeling that Arsenal need to be "near perfect" from now on, because of Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League, Arteta said: "If they continue that way, that's for sure, with the numbers they're producing and the amount of games they're winning. But the focus is on us, maintaining the consistency of performances that will give us the right to win a lot of games. This is a long run."

• William Saliba made his 100th appearance for Arsenal on Tuesday. "At his age, the consistency and quality of performances is incredible. It's not easy, it's a tricky position to play in this league, but he has a magnificent partnership and credit to Gabriel as well for that."

• Arteta commented on 12 of Arsenal's next 13 scheduled fixtures, barring any additional cup games, will be played in London: "Less travelling is always better. It is crazy that we have that many games so close to us and I think it helps because the amount of games we have to play in that period is very high."

• On West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui: "I have huge admiration for what he's done in the game. He's from the same area as I am in the north of Spain. His team is on a high after beating Newcastle and [are] always a really tough opponent."

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