Mikel Arteta claims comparisons with Stoke are a ‘big compliment’ for Arsenal
The IndependentSign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Mikel Arteta said it is a “big compliment” to be compared to Tony Pulis’ Stoke City side and said Arsenal want to be the “kings of everything” as he moved to defend the club’s impressive corner record. “We take it as a big compliment, and as a fuel to be better.” Arsenal’s tally of 22 goals from corners since the start of last season is the most of any side in the Premier League – seven more than second-placed Manchester City – and also more than any team from Europe’s top five leagues. Arteta, who is seeking to land Arsenal’s first Premier League title since 2004, added: “We want to be the kings of everything. That’s the aim.” Arsenal’s set-piece guru Nicolas Jover, who Arteta first took to Manchester City and then with him to Arsenal, has been the figurehead behind the club’s dead-ball success.