Arsenal travel to the West Midlands on Saturday with just six points separating the sides. Villa, who made a sluggish start to the season, have exploded into form, winning eight of their last nine league matches under Unai Emery. That surge has lifted them to third place on 24 points after 14 games, pulling them firmly into the conversation for the title.
A Villa win would cut Arsenal's advantage to three points, while a victory for Arteta's side would strengthen their own push at the top. Arteta has said the only focus for Arsenal is consistent performance.
"Every time you win a game, you are a little bit closer to your objective, and that is the only thing we can do," Arteta said. "We have to focus on performing and preparing really well because we know the kind of game we are going to face. We have to be ready to fulfil our potential."
Arteta also praised Emery, insisting the Villa manager never needs extra motivation despite the narrative of facing a former club.
"When you look at Unai and his career, the motivation level he has shown everywhere and the impact he has had have always been remarkable," he said. "He never needs anything extra. He has got enough in himself."
Asked what kind of message a win at Villa Park would send, Arteta kept his emphasis on momentum. "Consistency; playing at the highest level and winning another game. That is what this league demands."
The Arsenal boss has said any side performing at Villa's current level must be viewed as a credible challenger.
"Look where they are already," he said. "If they continue doing what they have been doing, then any team in that position have chances, for sure."
As for whether rival managers are trying to unsettle him through mind games, Arteta dismissed the idea. "I don't know. Each manager gives his opinion. We have to respect that, and that is it."
David Moyes urged Everton to stay on the front foot as they prepare for Saturday's Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Sean Dyche made his first return since leaving the club nearly a year ago.
Enzo Maresca has admitted Chelsea are still unsure when Romeo Lavia will return, as the Belgian's injury problems continued to disrupt their midfield plans ahead of Saturday's trip to Bournemouth.
Arne Slot has admitted that Liverpool "need to do better" at bringing Alexander Isak into dangerous areas after another quiet outing for the Swedish forward in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Sunderland.
Thomas Frank has said he is fully prepared to put emotion aside as Tottenham face Brentford on Saturday, insisting he will celebrate any Spurs goal despite hosting the club where he spent nine transformative years.
