Mundo Deportivo‘s recent analysis, “Jover’s Arsenal, king of strategy in the Premier League,” takes a close look at how important Nicolas Jover has been in making Arsenal a set-piece powerhouse.
The article shows how Arsenal has become more strategic under Jover, who has become a crucial part of Mikel Arteta‘s coaching staff. As tactics play a bigger role in top-level football, Jover’s influence is making Arsenal stand out in set-piece design.
Jover's Arsenal, king of strategy in the Premier League Mundo Deportivo (At. Madrid)6 Dec 2024 PHOTO: GETTY Nicolas Jover is in charge of the set-piece at Arteta's Arsenal The standing ball is becoming more and more important in elite football. With the evolution of the sport towards a game with greater defensive potential and increasingly impotent attacks, the role of strategy has been revalued. An example of this is the Arsenal. Arteta's team is the best team in the Premier League when it comes to strategy. In addition, it has great specialists to carry it out. From executors, with Saka and Rice as protagonists, to ideologists, with Nicolas Jover - assistant coach - as the architect of the growth of the ’gunners'. Unbeatable from the corner 22 are the goals Arsenal have scored in the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons from the corner. These figures can hardly be improved, which crown them as the kings of strategy in the Premier League and an example for teams of any category. The Gunners began by developing the advantage of their strategy through throwing their corner kicks at the first post. This year, the strategy has changed. The corner kicks, as it can not be otherwise, look for the position of Gabriel Magalhães, who is the best finisher from the Arsenal. But Arteta's team no longer only starts from areas close to the front and appears in advanced positions. Now, the London set is arranged further back from the second goal and usually accumulates about five footballers in that place, to later be distributed throughout the small area. In this way, Arsenal takes advantage of absolutely all the areas close to the goal. Jover and his set-piece are an example of the success of the strategy and the momentum of the new football. The Arsenal have scored a whopping 57 set-piece goals since Arteta's arrival. In addition, they are the team that has scored the most goals from corners in the last two seasons: 22, 7 more than the next one. For their part, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka each accumulate 7 assists this cycle in set-piece actions and articulate the great performance of the ‘gunner' frame. In addition, Gabriel Magalhães is the defender who has scored the most goals since his debut
Mundo Deportivo, Jover’s Arsenal, king of strategy in the Premier League. 6 December 2024
The article points out Arsenal’s success with some solid numbers. Arsenal has scored 22 goals from corners over the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons, highlighting their edge over other Premier League teams. Mundo Deportivo presents Jover as the architect behind this success, showing just how important his expertise has been in reshaping Arsenal’s approach to set-pieces.
The piece also explains how Arsenal’s corner-taking tactics have evolved. Initially, the focus was on delivering to the near post, which worked well. But this season, the approach has changed, with corners now aimed at Gabriel Magalhães, who has become the go-to finisher.
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates victory with teammates Bukayo Saka and Gabriel after the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on November 30, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
The tactics go beyond targeting one player; Jover’s detailed design involves positioning players further back and grouping five players together before spreading out to attack different parts of the box.
This smart use of space makes it harder for defences to keep track, giving Arsenal an extra edge.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Nicolas Jover, Coach of Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, look on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on May 12, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are also highlighted as key figures, not just for their overall play but for their contributions to Arsenal’s set-piece strength.
Each has seven assists from set-piece situations, which speaks to their ability to deliver accurately and consistently.
Gabriel Magalhães, meanwhile, is noted as the top-scoring defender since he joined, and this is directly linked to Arsenal’s well-designed set-piece plays.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates victory as he acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United FC at Emirates Stadium on December 04, 2024. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
While the article mostly praises Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency, it also touches on a bigger trend in elite football. As defences get stronger and harder to break down, dead-ball situations have become more important.
Jover’s work shows how well-designed set-pieces can be the difference in tight games.
Overall, Mundo Deportivo paints a strong picture of Arsenal as set-piece kings in the Premier League, crediting Jover’s planning and execution.
The focus on key players and tactical shifts gives a good insight into how top teams can make the most of every opportunity.
Although there are areas that could use more scrutiny, the article captures Arsenal’s new tactical edge well.
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