Arsenal’s Champions League campaign against Paris Saint Germain (PSG) is set to reveal one of their most effective assets — a mastermind who never steps foot on the pitch. The Gunners have gained a significant advantage in European football through their precision at set-pieces, courtesy of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.
Since his arrival at Arsenal in 2021, Jover has transformed the team into a formidable force when it comes to corners and free-kicks, an aspect of the game that is often overlooked but can be decisive. Jover and Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta share a professional history, having worked together at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. It was this collaboration that prompted Arteta to bring Jover to Arsenal, a decision that has paid off handsomely, as the team has developed into one of the best in Europe at exploiting set-piece opportunities.
Since Jover joined Arsenal, the club has scored 44 goals from set-pieces (excluding penalties). This includes 25 goals in the Premier League alone since the start of last season, the highest number in the competition during this period. Of those, 19 have come from corners. One of the most notable goals was Gabriel Magalhaes’ header in a 2-2 draw with Manchester City, a match between two title rivals. Arsenal’s success in these situations is not only due to the raw execution of their players but also the clever schemes that Jover has devised.
Set-pieces have long been an integral yet understated part of football, capable of turning the tide in closely contested matches. While many clubs spend hours perfecting their attacking and defensive play in open play, set-pieces can often be neglected. Jover’s role has been to bring them to the forefront of Arsenal’s tactical play, giving the club an edge over its opponents.
Jover’s importance to the Arsenal setup was made particularly evident when Arteta celebrated a victory earlier in the season by smothering him in a bear hug on the sidelines. The occasion was Gabriel’s winning goal from a corner in a 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur. Arteta, ever aware of the vital role Jover plays behind the scenes, was effusive in his praise. According to Arteta, Jover has not only brought technical expertise to the team but has also instilled belief in the players that matches can be won in various ways, including through dead-ball situations.
Under Jover’s guidance, Arsenal has developed an intricate set of routines for both attacking and defending set-pieces. One of Jover’s most effective strategies is to create pressure on the opposing goalkeeper through a ring of Arsenal players, allowing Gabriel or another designated target to time their run perfectly and meet the ball at the far post. The routine is simple but effective, exploiting lapses in concentration or positioning by the defending team.
This tactical sophistication, spearheaded by Jover, has turned set-pieces into a vital part of Arsenal’s attacking arsenal. The players have not only embraced the drills but understand their importance in deciding the outcome of tight matches. Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has also expressed his admiration for Jover, emphasizing how much time the team dedicates to perfecting set-pieces in training. In his words, set-pieces can sometimes be the deciding factor in a match, and the team is grateful to have someone like Jover orchestrating their success.
While Arsenal has flourished under Jover’s guidance, PSG appears to have taken a more relaxed approach to set-pieces, particularly under their current manager, Luis Enrique. PSG has been criticized for not dedicating enough time and resources to set-pieces, a contrast to Arsenal’s meticulous planning. Unlike Arteta, Enrique chose not to bring in a set-piece specialist when he took charge of the French giants. The result has been a vulnerability in dead-ball situations, with PSG conceding goals from corners and free-kicks at key moments.
This weakness has not gone unnoticed by Arsenal’s coaching staff, and it is likely to be an area they look to exploit in their Champions League encounter. Jover, known for his strategic acumen, will be eager to expose the French club’s frailties in set-piece situations. While PSG’s talent in open play is undeniable, their inability to defend set-pieces consistently could prove costly against a team as well-drilled as Arsenal.
PSG’s reluctance to place emphasis on set-pieces contrasts sharply with other top clubs in Europe, notably Manchester City. Under Guardiola, City recognized the importance of set-pieces and promoted Carlos Vicens, a former Under-18 coach, to the first team to focus specifically on this area. The results speak for themselves: City scored 21 times from set-pieces during their Premier League-winning campaign, while only conceding once from such situations. Like Arsenal, City understands that set-pieces are not just about sending the ball into the box and hoping for the best. Instead, they are meticulously planned routines that can be executed with precision to give teams an edge over their opponents.
For PSG, their neglect of this aspect of the game could become their Achilles’ heel, particularly in matches against well-prepared teams like Arsenal. In modern football, where matches are often won by fine margins, teams cannot afford to be complacent about set-pieces. As Arsenal has demonstrated under Jover’s guidance, investing time and effort into perfecting these situations can pay significant dividends.
Jover’s work at Arsenal represents a growing trend in football where set-piece specialists are becoming more commonplace. While traditional coaching focuses on tactics in open play, the importance of dead-ball situations has led to a rise in demand for coaches who specialize in this area. Clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City, who have invested in these roles, are reaping the rewards. Set-pieces offer a unique opportunity to create scoring chances in controlled environments, where the element of surprise and tactical ingenuity can be decisive.
Arsenal’s success at set-pieces is also a reflection of the broader tactical innovations that Arteta has implemented since taking charge. While Arteta has drawn inspiration from his time at Manchester City, he has also brought his own ideas to Arsenal, and the emphasis on set-pieces is one such innovation. By prioritizing these situations, Arteta has added another dimension to his team’s play, making Arsenal more unpredictable and difficult to defend against.
Looking ahead, Arsenal’s continued focus on set-pieces will likely remain a key part of their strategy, not just in the Premier League but in European competition as well. With Jover’s expertise, the team has the ability to break down even the most organized defenses, and their success in dead-ball situations will only enhance their chances of winning silverware. In a competition as demanding as the Champions League, where small details often make the difference, Arsenal’s set-piece proficiency could be the deciding factor in crucial matches.
In contrast, PSG’s reluctance to prioritize set-pieces could cost them dearly, especially against teams that excel in these situations. While PSG boasts a wealth of attacking talent, their failure to address defensive vulnerabilities from set-pieces leaves them exposed. As Arsenal prepares to face PSG, the set-piece battle could very well determine the outcome of the match.
Ultimately, Nicolas Jover’s influence at Arsenal underscores the growing importance of set-piece specialists in modern football. By transforming an often overlooked aspect of the game into a key component of Arsenal’s strategy, Jover has given the team a competitive edge. As more clubs recognize the value of set-pieces, the role of set-piece coaches like Jover will continue to grow, shaping the future of football tactics and strategy.
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