Mikel Arteta exclusive: Arsenal boss says team's set-pieces can still improve despite Nicolas Jover heroics

Arsenal have turned set-pieces into one of their most threatening offensive weapons in recent years. They were key to the north London side's success last season and helped them to a 1-1 draw against Fulham on Sunday. However, Mikel Arteta insists that there is still room for improvement ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash with Monaco – live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Wednesday.

Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal can still improve their remarkable record at set-pieces, despite the impressive work of coach Nicolas Jover.

Jover has overseen a revolution at The Emirates since arriving in July 2021, with 25.2% of their 119 Premier League goals coming from set-pieces last season.

Arsenal equalised in their 1-1 draw against Fulham on Sunday after Kai Havertz nodded Declan Rice's corner into the path of goalscorer William Saliba.

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However, Arteta believes it would be a mistake for his side to rest on their laurels ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash with Monaco – live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Wednesday night.

"We can still be much better, there are a lot of things to improve, even in that area," Arteta told TNT Sports. "I know that a lot of people see set-pieces as something separate.

"I don't, and I fully disagree with that. I respect it. One thing is the consequence of another thing.

"The fact that we conceded one shot is because of the incredible things that the team did in several other areas.

"I am very pleased with what the team did. Unfortunately, we could not win it."

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The Gunners are seventh in the Champions League table and third in the Premier League following their point at Craven Cottage.

Despite their outstanding set-piece record, some fans and pundits have called for Arteta to take more risks in open play.

The Spaniard responded by expressing his belief that The Gunners are constantly trying to evolve their style.

"We always evolve and try to find clues and give players the chance to attack better and defend better," he said.

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"When we score 10 goals away from home in two games, and we score from open play, [it's] the same.

"There is always an improvement, there are always details, the positions always have specific things that we can capitalise on, and the preparation is always in that direction.

"We do not get stuck because we do something really well, because we always want to do it better and more effectively."

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Arteta thinks Arsenal are heading in a positive direction after an early season wobble.

"That is my feeling [that Arsenal are in a positive place].

"I am watching the games back and what we are doing on the pitch.

"With everything that is going on around the team as well, with the eight or nine players missing at the moment, it is still very positive.

"I love that. It is going to be a long season, and we are right in it, especially because you can sense how good the energy around the team is."

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