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Nicolas Jover given ultimate Arsenal honour after Mikel Arteta's 'big compliment'

There has been a mural painted of Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover such is the team's prowess from dead-ball situations.

The Gunners have excelled at both defending and attacking set-pieces since Jover arrived from Premier League title rivals Man City in 2021. Two inswinging corners straight from the training ground helped them beat Manchester United 2-0 last week took the club's tally to 41 from dead-ball situations with the French coach on the scene.

William Saliba added a 42nd against Fulham on Sunday, and it was between those matches that scrutiny arose around the manner in which the team have scored 28 percent of their goals from this 2024/25 season.

"We need that. I think we want to be very dangerous and very effective from every angle and every phase of play," Arteta said in the aftermath of the Man United game.

"Today we could have scored from open play like we did against West Ham and Sporting. The team really has that belief that from every angle we have the mentality to threaten the opponent and try to score.

"Today was two set-pieces. We had 13 corners. We have to take a lot from that."

His team were then compared to the Stoke City side that became famous for set-piece goals under manager Tony Pulis between 2008 and 2013. During that time they netted 43.1 per cent of their league goals (81 of 188) from free-kicks and corners.

"It was said in the best possible way. We take it as a big compliment," Arsenal's manager responded.

It would be fair to say Arsenal's supporters are embracing the clinical nature from set-pieces. Fan and street artist Northbanksy has unveiled a mural of Jover situated in a tunnel off Hornsey Road in close proximity to the Emirates Stadium.

"Gold, great work. Legends all. Keep it up," said one supporter responding, whilst another added: "These are great! Walk through the tunnel to every game."

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