Mikel Arteta Declares Arsenal’s Ambition to Be “Kings of Everything”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made it clear: his team isn’t just aiming to be good—they want to be the best at everything. After Arsenal’s impressive 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Wednesday night, Arteta doubled down on his vision for the club, emphasizing their desire to dominate every aspect of the game. And with their recent success in set pieces, it’s hard to argue that the Gunners aren’t on the right track.
“We want to be the kings of everything,” Arteta boldly stated. “On set pieces, the best in the world, high press, the best in the world, attacking in open spaces, the best in the world. Best atmosphere and stadium, the best at everything.”
It’s a lofty goal, but Arsenal’s recent stats back up their manager’s confidence. Since the start of last season, Arsenal has scored a league-leading 22 goals from set pieces, including two in their latest win over Manchester United. Wednesday’s goals came courtesy of defenders Jurriën Timber and William Saliba, both of whom capitalized on corner kicks to secure the victory. United, like many of Arsenal’s opponents, struggled to handle the Gunners’ well-rehearsed dead-ball routines.
Arsenal’s Set-Piece Dominance
Arsenal’s newfound prowess in set pieces has earned them the nickname “corner kings,” and it’s a title they seem to relish. Former Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov even joked on Amazon Prime Video that “Arsenal are the new Stoke City,” referencing the physical, set-piece-heavy style that Stoke was known for during their Premier League days. But Arteta took the comment in stride, viewing it as a compliment rather than a jab.
“I understood very well what Berbatov said,” Arteta responded. “It was in the best possible way. We will take it as a big compliment, 100%.”
While Stoke City’s approach was often criticized for its lack of flair, Arsenal’s execution of set pieces has been anything but dull. Their ability to blend technical skill with tactical precision has made them a nightmare for opposing defenses, and it’s a key reason why they’re firmly in the title race this season.
Arteta’s Vision for Arsenal
Arteta’s ambitions for Arsenal go far beyond set pieces. He envisions a club that excels in every facet of the game, from on-field performance to off-field development. “Before it was about we didn’t score enough, we were soft defending, we didn’t have mentality, we weren’t physical enough, we couldn’t challenge the top teams,” Arteta said. “We want to be the best at everything. The best academy, the best individual development for players. We want to be the best of the best. Recruit the best players, the best coaches, that’s the aim.”
It’s a bold mission statement, but one that reflects the high standards Arteta has set for himself and his team. And with Arsenal currently chasing Liverpool in the Premier League title race, those standards could very well lead to silverware.
Next Up: Fulham
Arsenal’s next challenge comes on Sunday when they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham. The Gunners will be looking to extend their winning streak to four games, but they’ll need to be wary of a Fulham side that caused them problems last season. Fulham took five points off Arsenal in the 2023-24 campaign, including a win at home and a draw at the Emirates.
“It’s a big challenge,” Arteta admitted. “Obviously we experienced it last year. I was being very complimentary about them, about the coach and what they do. It’s always a really tough place to go.”
With Arsenal firing on all cylinders and their set-piece game stronger than ever, Sunday’s match promises to be an exciting test of their title credentials. Can the Gunners continue their march toward becoming the “kings of everything”? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: under Arteta’s leadership, Arsenal is aiming for nothing less than greatness.
Key Takeaways
- Arsenal leads the Premier League in set-piece goals since the start of last season with 22.
- Mikel Arteta has declared his ambition for Arsenal to dominate every aspect of football.
- Arsenal faces Fulham on Sunday, aiming for a fourth consecutive league win.
As the Gunners continue their quest for supremacy, fans and rivals alike will be watching closely. Whether it’s through set pieces, open play, or tactical brilliance, Arsenal is determined to make their mark—and they’re not afraid to aim high.
Originally Written by: Unknown
