Arsenal has become the first team to make a set-piece coach a significant part of their tactical approach during matches. This season, they have made set-pieces a key weapon in their attacking play, aiming to capitalise on every opportunity to score from them. The mastermind behind this strategy is Nicolas Jover, whose expertise has transformed Arsenal’s effectiveness in dead-ball situations.
Jover is in charge of set-pieces at the club, and whenever Arsenal wins a dangerous free-kick or corner, he can be seen on the touchline alongside Mikel Arteta, delivering instructions. His presence and influence have been evident throughout the season, with the team frequently scoring from well-rehearsed routines. His work has drawn praise from Arsenal supporters, who have recognised the impact he has had on their overall performance.
While Arsenal’s set pieces have been a major asset, opposing teams have gradually adapted, making it more challenging for them to find consistent success from dead-ball situations. However, Jover’s tactical input remains an essential part of Arteta’s coaching staff, ensuring that the team continues to refine and improve their approach.
Not long ago, Arsenal supporters wanted to express their appreciation for Jover’s contributions, leading to the creation of a mural in his honour at the Emirates Stadium. This gesture was meant to celebrate his role in the club’s progress, but it has not been universally well-received. Rival fans and neutrals have criticised the mural, questioning whether a set-piece coach deserves such recognition.
Former Manchester United star Paul Parker has joined the list of those mocking the tribute. He expressed his disapproval, stating, as quoted by Goal.com:
“Arsenal with their set-piece coach – come on, a set-piece coach shouldn’t be having murals painted. That’s making Arsenal look like a Second Division team. It’s embarrassing.
“You have got a manager, he’s the one that makes the decisions. The other people work for him and are all in it together. There is one leader and that’s all that matters.”
The attention on Jover has increased largely due to Arsenal’s struggles in open play. If they improve their ability to score from regular attacking moves, his influence may receive less focus. However, for now, he remains a crucial figure in Arsenal’s tactical approach.
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
That’s how the cookie crumbles. If set piece strategy makes Arsenal look like a 2nd division team, what does throwing everything forward over the MF make a side look like.
Arsenal gives a soccer show to force opposition defences to concede corners. What entertainment is there, watching people run like race horses in a match.
Benefiting from set pieces is one thing, actively making it part of your tactics is another. How many times have we seen our guys work for a set piece? Maintain possession, pass sideways, only to play for a corner kick?
All the “Stoke City” comparisons were a bit tongue in cheek, but there was a depression air of truth to it. The defense first approach, with slow buildup, and lack of cutting edge only make the comparisons more painful.
Forget spending millions on new players, how about replace the tactics of Artetaball and start getting a tune out of this squad. Play a bit more to their individual strengths a bit more, certainly can’t hurt.
Jealousy is an amazing drug!
Our corner tactics make the game more in tune with line outs in Rugby Union rather than a sport player on the ground with the feet.As a matter of interest, would we be breaching the rules of Association Football if we resorted to physically lifting the likes of Gabriel into the air?
Yes it would be a caution for ungentlemanly conduct,if of course that still exists😊
Let’s face it: ARTETABALL (without a set piece coach) = IMMEDIATE RELEGATION.
Don’t really care, more Jover murals for me! (as long as Mikel Arteta is in charge.
Oh you silly billy, relegation 😂
The only mural I’ve seen is underneath the railway arches and not around the ground
Correct SueP. They’ve all been done by a fella that goes by the name of Northbanksy.
800 mil and we rely on ste pieces. Says everything you need to know.
Set pieces are part of the game, Paul Parker tries to be relevant with nothing to offer, you rather focus your silly energy at your soon to be relegated Man Utd, Jealousy is eating you up!!!!!
I do not see anything wrong with the murals, set piece is part of the game, we are not going beyond the rules of the game…use your set pieces to win your matches gunners, a win is a win, victory is victory, just give us the trophies cause, rival fans won’t allow us to breathe without a trophy this time again.
Let’s call it a fact not everyone in the team deserves a mural. This coach has revolutionalised set pieces. He deserves a mural. If Arteta wins us trophies he will be given his mural too. Talking of relegation is way over board.
Whe last have we score from set pieces?
We didn’t score any against Newcastle. And we lost!!!!!! Both games!!!!!!
Whichever legal aspect of the game mastered by a team to its success must be well spoken of than what some pundits and fans seem to portray.
This is pathetic.
If you think taking advantage of corner kicks is that bad, take it out from the game then.