Arsenal’s sharp rise in set-piece potency is hard to ignore. In just over one season under the guidance of their specialist coach, Nicolas Jover, their tally of dead-ball goals soared from six to 22, a leap of 266%.
Over the past 18 months, roughly a quarter of all Arsenal’s goals have originated from set plays. The transformation is no statistical quirk—it is the product of painstaking methodology and unrelenting attention to detail.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 04: Jurrien Timber of Arsenal scores his team's first goal with a header as Andre Onana of Manchester United fails to make a save during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United FC at Emirates Stadium on December 04, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Rather than relying on players’ natural inclination for open-play drills, Jover has demanded commitment to rehearsed routines and tactical subtlety. “Set-piece coaching is still one of the hardest things to teach because players want to play small-sided games and finish, not stand around for a long time. You have to get them to buy in, but Nico did it straight away,” recalls Dean Smith, who observed Jover’s early successes at Brentford.
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, appreciated Jover’s abilities enough to bring him in when a vacancy opened up in 2021. “His experience can be incredibly useful and valuable for us. It’s a crucial part of the game,” Arteta acknowledged. The immediate impact vindicated that decision: 16 of Arsenal’s 22 set-piece goals have come from corners, giving Arteta yet another reason to embrace Jover on the touchline whenever the ball hits the net.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Gabriel of Arsenal scores his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
The players may not have found this new discipline easy at first. “We’re working a lot on set pieces. It’s the worst, it’s the worst!” joked Bukayo Saka, who has reaped the benefits of a team capable of outfoxing opponents with well-drilled movements, blocks, and feints. Even neutral observers concede Jover’s influence. “He is a bit annoying, that set-piece coach, but he is very good,” said Gary Neville, capturing the mix of grudging respect and annoyance at Arsenal’s transformation.
Jover’s knack for raising standards was already evident before he arrived in London. In France, he served as an analyst at Montpellier before heading abroad. At Brentford, between 2016 and 2019, his guidance helped produce 46 set-piece goals.
Manchester City soon took note, and his stint there boosted their tallies while slashing the proportion of goals they conceded from dead balls. “He enjoyed himself at City but the amount of information he received was probably limited because of the way Pep Guardiola coaches. But he has certainly found himself at Arsenal,” says Smith, contrasting the constraints of his previous job with the freedom he now enjoys in north London.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 26: Gabriel of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 26, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images
Jover’s approach is not restricted to European footballing traditions. Educated in Quebec, he immersed himself in American football concepts, adapting playbooks and training styles to inspire more creativity and precision in set-piece execution. The result is a disciplined, fiercely effective ‘lab’ environment at Arsenal.
“Nicolas is a genius in his way of thinking and creating plans. There are no coincidences at any time. We could discuss a corner for more than an hour, without any problem. He was very, very detailed. I know several set-piece coaches and he is the best. Set pieces are his passion,” says Mads Buttgereit, himself a set-piece expert, as he lauded Jover’s exhaustive preparations.
The man himself envisions a future that goes beyond raw numbers. “I dream of developing a recognisable style of set-pieces, like a style of play,” admits Jover, hinting that Arsenal’s opponents have yet to see the full extent of what he can conjure up at a dead ball.
For now, his influence is stamped on Arsenal’s renaissance in front of goal—a quiet revolution sparked by a coach who refuses to settle for ordinary.