Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants his team to be the best at every facet of the game, setting high standards for the squad.
By now, most of us have heard the outcry at Arsenal's now famous corner kicks that have paved the way for the teams three-game winning streak.
Arsenal have been named "the new Stoke City," which is a compliment. In truth, when it comes to Arsenal, there will always be something to pick at, but the Gunners are simply in hot form, scoring from set-pieces, so it's low-hanging fruit.
With set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover set to be rewarded with a bumper new contract given Arsenal's recent potency from dead-ball situations, ahead of the clash with Fulham, boss Mikel Arteta says that the Gunners' chase for excellence doesn't stop at corners - he wants complete domination in every facet of the game.
“We want to be the kings of everything,” Arteta said via arsenal.com. “At set pieces - the best in the world. At the high press - the best in the world. Attacking open spaces - the best in the world. We want the best atmosphere in the stadium, and be the best at everything. We want to have the best academy, the best individual development for players, recruit the best players and have the best coaches. That’s the aim.”
Jurrien Timber
Now, some will call that delusional, as it is going to be next to impossible to actually achieve what Mikel wants here, but it is a peek behind the curtain of the mentality that is powering the club under Arteta's guidance.
It is never enough.
No matter how good things are going, whether it be the Gunners' newfound liking for scoring from corners, or the swashbuckling play we have come to know over the last 24 months, always strive to be the best.
With Fulham up next, the Gunners will have a chance to continue their recent good form but will be wary of Marco Silva's side because, in the corresponding fixture last season, Fulham handed Arsenal a 2-1 loss despite the Gunners scoring first.
So, it will be anything but an easy fixture for Arsenal to navigate, but with Arteta's desire for his team to constantly strive for better and given their current groove, it wouldn't be a total surprise for the Gunners to take care of business in West London.
It is the latest step in Mikel's plot for complete football domination.