Mikel Arteta stresses what he really wants to see from Arsenal amid set-piece success

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Arsenal scored from a corner yet again during the Gunners’ Premier League draw against Fulham.

For the second time in a week, William Saliba wrote his name onto the scoresheet by converting from a corner.

The Frenchman capitalised on Kai Havertz’s chance from the delivery to poke Arsenal level at Craven Cottage. 

Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s side, Arsenal’s duel with Fulham ended in a draw, taking away a single point from the tussle in west London. 

• READ MORE: William Saliba scores again and ‘lazy’ ace gets 4/10 – Arsenal player ratings vs Fulham

Mikel Arteta responds to open play query after Fulham draw

Playing Fulham is not Arsenal’s favourite thing in the world, having not beaten Marco Silva’s side since the 2022/23 campaign.

Arsenal failed to capitalise on Liverpool’s postponed Merseyside derby by dropping points for the seventh time this season, sparking debate in Arteta’s post-match press conference.

Amid the Gunners’ strength from corners, the Arsenal manager was asked whether he believes they are creating enough from open play.

“It’s never enough if you don’t score three, four or five. If they play 11 direct balls I want to win 11. We want to win 100%,” the manager said after the Fulham draw.

Arsenal have scored 23 goals from corner situations since the start of the 2023/24 season, more than any other team in the Premier League but, Arteta has demanded more from his players in other areas.

Fans certainly want to see more from the players too, as Arsenal supporters were furious with the attackers on show against Fulham.

From the opening 15 games this season, only eight wins have been recorded by the Gunners, who have now drawn five times this campaign – suggesting that Arteta’s words need to be put into action.

Arsenal have declined this season

Arteta wants his side to win every game, which is something fans also desire but is something that is proving increasingly difficult.

After finishing two points behind Manchester City last term, there was a feeling that the 2024/25 campaign would be the year that Arteta reached the summit of his project. 

Instead, after 15 games, it seems as though the Gunners are moving backward rather than forward, conceding more goals and trailing in the goals scored tally.

Having conceded 15 goals from 15 games, Arsenal have already conceded 51% of their end-of-season tally last term, which is a real concern.

This time last year, Arteta’s side were top of the table having won 11 of their 15 games, emphasising the need for improvement if silverware is to be delivered by May.