Best in his field: Arteta lauds Arsenal’s Nicolas Jover for set-piece dominance

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal has become synonymous with slick, attacking football, but their recent dominance has been built on more than just intricate passing moves. A key factor in their success has been their mastery of set-pieces, a testament to the work of specialist coach Nicolas Jover.

Arteta, a keen admirer of Jover’s expertise, recently lauded him as the “best in his field,” and the statistics certainly back up this claim. Arsenal have been the most prolific team from set-pieces in the Premier League since Jover joined the club in 2021.

The Jover Effect

Jover’s arrival coincided with a significant uptick in Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency. In the 2021-22 season, they scored 16 goals from corners, a joint-Premier League high. This trend continued into the 2022-23 season, where they found the net 16 times from set-pieces, with 13 of those originating from corners. This season, they have already scored five goals from set pieces, showcasing their continued threat.

This dramatic improvement isn’t merely a coincidence. Jover has implemented a more structured and varied approach to set-pieces, utilizing different routines and delivery techniques to keep opponents guessing. This is evident in the diversity of their set-piece goals, with goals coming from both inswinging and outswinging corners, short corners, and free-kicks.

More than just goals

While the goals themselves are the most obvious manifestation of Nicolas Jover ‘s influence, his impact extends beyond simply finding the net. Arsenal’s set-pieces are now a constant source of danger, creating numerous chances and forcing opposition defenses into errors. This pressure can often lead to goals from open play, as opponents become preoccupied with defending the initial set-piece.

Furthermore, Jover’s coaching has instilled a renewed sense of confidence in the Arsenal players when it comes to set-pieces. They now approach these situations with belief and purpose, knowing that they have the tools and the tactics to capitalize on them.

Building a complete team

Arteta’s philosophy revolves around building a complete team, one that is capable of hurting opponents in a variety of ways. Jover’s work on set-pieces is a crucial component of this approach, providing Arsenal with an additional weapon in their attacking arsenal.

In the modern game, where the margins between success and failure are often razor-thin, set-pieces can be the difference-maker. Arsenal’s proficiency in this area, thanks to Jover’s expertise, gives them a significant advantage over their rivals.

As Arsenal continue to challenge for top honors, their set-piece prowess will undoubtedly play a crucial role. Jover’s innovative coaching and meticulous attention to detail have transformed Arsenal into one of the most dangerous teams from dead-ball situations. With his guidance, they are well-equipped to maintain their dominance in this area and continue their push for silverware.