Gary Neville
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal’s set-piece mastery once again stole the spotlight as they secured a 2-0 victory over Manchester United, but not everyone was impressed. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville described Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover as “the most annoying bloke in football” during a live watchalong onThe Overlap.
Goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, both from corners, showcased Arsenal’s growing reputation as the Premier League’s deadliest team from set-pieces. The Gunners, under manager Mikel Arteta, have made remarkable strides in this department, thanks largely to Jover’s influence.
The victory brought Arsenal within seven points of league leaders Liverpool and left Manchester United languishing in the bottom half of the table after 14 games.
Despite Arsenal’s success, Neville, watching the game live, took aim at Jover, who has been instrumental in transforming Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency since joining from Manchester City.
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“The set-piece coach at Arsenal, he’s got to be the most annoying bloke in football,” Neville said. “He’s got to be, hasn’t he?”
While Neville criticised Jover, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher heaped praise on the 43-year-old coach.
Nicolas Jover - Arsenal
Arsenal setpiece coach Nicolas Jover (Image credit: Getty Images)
“I’ll tell you what, give him what he wants,” Carragher said. “If you were that set-piece coach for Arsenal, you could write your own contract. If he said, ‘I want 25 grand a week,’ you’d have to give it to him, wouldn’t you?”
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Arteta, who recruited Jover shortly after taking over at Arsenal, has been vocal about the coach’s importance to the team.
“He’s a very special person and obviously someone very close to me,” Arteta said earlier this week. “I went to war for him at City because I felt there was a big room for improvement in that department.
“We share a clear vision of how we want to put everything together, about how everything is connected, aligned, and can work efficiently in our team. For sure, he is someone who is very, very important for the team.”
Jover’s impact has been undeniable. Arsenal lead the Premier League in goals scored from corners this season, a testament to the meticulous preparation and execution spearheaded by the set-piece specialist.
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