Mikel Arteta Aspires For Arsenal To Dominate All Aspects Of Football Following Win Against Manchester United

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Mikel Arteta expressed his ambition for Arsenal to excel in all aspects of football after their impressive set-piece performance against Manchester United. The Gunners defeated United, marking Ruben Amorim's first loss as their manager. Jurrien Timber and William Saliba scored from corners, showcasing Arsenal's strength in this area under Arteta's guidance.

Arsenal has been particularly effective with set-pieces, scoring more goals from corners than any other Premier League team since last season began. This victory was notable as it was the first time Manchester United conceded two goals from corners since a 2014 match against Chelsea, where Samuel Eto'o scored twice.

Arteta aims for Arsenal to dominate every aspect of the game, including set-pieces. "We want to be the kings of everything," he stated. He envisions Arsenal excelling in high pressing, attacking open spaces, and creating an unmatched atmosphere at their stadium.

Former Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov compared Arsenal to Stoke City due to their set-piece prowess. Arteta took this as a compliment, reflecting on Arsenal's evolution over the years. Previously, they struggled to score and win big games consistently.

Nicolas Jover joined Arsenal as their set-piece coach in July 2021. Under his guidance, the team scored 26 goals from set-pieces during the 2023-24 Premier League season. Sixteen of these were from corners, equalling records held by Oldham Athletic and West Bromwich Albion.

Reflecting on his understanding of set-pieces' importance, Arteta mentioned his playing days at Everton. He realised how crucial they were for both scoring and defending against opponents. His experience at Manchester City further highlighted the need for strategic improvement in this area.

Stoke City's former manager Tony Pulis achieved a notable ratio of set-piece goals during his tenure. His team scored 81 out of 188 total goals from such situations, representing a significant portion of their scoring strategy.

Arteta's focus on mastering various facets of football reflects his commitment to elevating Arsenal's performance across all fronts. By prioritising set-pieces alongside other tactical elements, he aims to establish Arsenal as a formidable force in every aspect of the game.