Former England and Arsenal defender Matthew Upson has been talking on the Seaman Says podcast, sponsored by Betway about the Gunners.
Interestingly he gives a great insight into the training ground workings, pointing out how important the set piece coach Nico Jover is.
Upson explains “There’s a massive slogan on the wall – “Set pieces win games” – at the training ground. And they’re showing you that, the amount of prep that goes into that.” Adding, “It’s done on the training ground, and there’s a lot of time spent on that. The set piece coach, Nico [Jover], obviously he’s really good and the results show you that.”
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Not sure the role of set piece coach was even a thing a few years ago was it? But not, they are central to all that clubs are doing, creating, as Upson calls it, ‘total football’ from back to front.
“We’re in a time when it’s total football – play out from the back at any cost. For goalkeepers, it’s so difficult. But then the flip side is that set pieces are literally defining who wins the Premier League. It’s that big a deal.”
Not sure I’m totally down with this modern trend of messing about at the back, but maybe that is an age thing. It definitely wouldn’t have been possible when I first started watching football in the 70’s because the pitches were basically mud baths half the season. Now they resemble snooker tables so perhaps that is why it is more doable.
He also explains how the confidence is built throughout the team with the presence of Gabriel.
“The belief that Gabriel has – every time that ball goes in the box, he’s got a presence that he’s going to score, and it builds that belief in the team. Now they’re a super set-piece side.”
They then question whether Arsenal can still catch Liverpool and win the Premier League with us being 3rd on 29 points, whilst Liverpool sit at the top on 35 points with a game in hand.
Seaman says: “I would always say yes, because there’s still a while to go before Christmas. Once it gets past Christmas and if they still nine points clear, then you start asking a few questions. But when you look at the squad that Liverpool have got as well, players coming back, their bench is so strong as well. It’s going to be tough.”
Warning “Don’t count Chelsea out.”
Matt agreed on Chelsea, but I switched off reading after that, because he was waxing lyrical about them and I can’t be having that!!!!
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