Arsenal’s impressive form continued with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Wednesday, marking their fourth consecutive win across all competitions. The Gunners now sit just seven points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
While Arsenal struggled at times to break down United’s defense, their set-piece prowess once again proved decisive. Behind this success is Nicolas Jover, the unsung hero and tactical mastermind whose influence has transformed Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency into a weapon few can counter.
Arsenal’s Set-Piece Revolution
Jover joined Arsenal in July 2021, reuniting with Mikel Arteta after working together at Manchester City. The German-born French coach specializes in set-piece strategies, and his impact has been monumental.
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Last season, Arsenal scored 26 set-piece goals in the Premier League (excluding penalties), with 16 coming from corners—a record for a single campaign. Against United, this strength was on full display. Jurrien Timber opened the scoring from a Declan Rice corner, while William Saliba’s second goal originated from a Bukayo Saka delivery.
Since the start of last season, Arsenal have netted 22 goals from corners, further solidifying their reputation as set-piece specialists. Reflecting on Wednesday’s performance, Rice praised the consistency of the team’s corner deliveries:
“Every time I was going to take the corner, I knew it was going to be a good ball. With repetition, you end up scoring goals.”
Jover’s Influence on Arsenal
Jover’s role goes beyond just planning set-piece plays. His collaboration with Arteta has fostered a cohesive approach to integrating set pieces into Arsenal’s overall strategy. Speaking about Jover’s importance, Arteta said:
“He’s a very special person and someone very close to me. I worked with him at City and saw a big opportunity to improve in that area. Since then, we’ve shared a clear vision of how to align and connect everything in the team efficiently.”
Arteta often turns to Jover for input after Arsenal score from set pieces, with cameras frequently capturing their celebratory interactions. When asked if Jover deserves a goal bonus for his contributions, Arteta joked:
“That’s a question for him and his contract. I don’t negotiate contracts!”
Arsenal’s Continued Evolution
Jover’s expertise has been pivotal, but Arteta emphasized that the team’s success stems from a combination of factors:
“Last year, we scored the most goals in the history of this football club. Not just from set pieces, but from creating individual moments, counters, slow build-ups, and restarts. Every phase of play is an opportunity to improve and score.”
Even without key players like Gabriel Magalhaes, who recently scored from set pieces against Sporting CP and West Ham, Arsenal remains a threat. As Arteta continues to refine the team’s attacking options, Jover’s influence ensures that Arsenal’s set-piece dominance remains a crucial part of their success.
With rivals yet to find a way to neutralize Jover’s strategies, Arsenal’s secret weapon remains one of their most valuable assets in the race for silverware.