Arsenal have change into a set-piece powerhouse within the Premier League.
It is a transformation pushed by the experience of Nicolas Jover, their set-piece specialist. With no background as an expert footballer, the Frenchman started his profession as a video analyst at Montpellier earlier than shifting to Brentford and later Manchester Metropolis , the place he labored with Mikel Arteta.
This relationship was pivotal, with Arteta bringing Jover to Arsenal to copy and improve their shared concepts. Since becoming a member of the membership in 2021, Jover has reshaped Arsenal’s method, turning them right into a machine from the lifeless ball.
Arsenal are the set-piece kings of the Premier League
Arsenal boss Arteta along with his teaching workers – which incorporates Nicholas Jover (second from the fitting) (Picture credit score: Getty Pictures)
The outcomes of Jover’s affect are staggering. Since his arrival, Arsenal have scored 42 objectives from corners within the Premier League –eight greater than some other group throughout the identical interval.
Arsenal’s set-piece routines are constructed on exact planning and flexibility. In opposition to man-marking groups, they create mismatches by leaving smaller opponents unmarked, whereas towards zonal methods, they flood weak areas just like the again publish.
Arsenal are meticulously organised (Picture credit score: Getty Pictures)
It is easy, actually: gamers collect on the far-post, earlier than operating into the centre of a melée upon the supply of the ball. Each Arsenal participant is actually seeking to create chaos, all of sudden, for one man: Gabriel.
The Brazilian, ranked at no.5 in FourFourTwo’s record of one of the best centre-backs on the planet proper now
This success can also be supported by Arsenal’s evolving squad. The addition of taller, extra bodily gamers like Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber have enhanced their aerial risk. This enhances Jover’s system, which thrives on physicality and precision.
Arsenal’s dominance at set-pieces is a testomony to preparation and execution reasonably than innovation. Whereas their routines will not be groundbreaking, their dedication to perfecting them has set them aside. Different groups could attempt to emulate this success, however it requires not solely technique but in addition the personnel to execute it.
Gabriel has been key to Arsenal’s set-piece dominance (Picture credit score: Getty Pictures)
Beneath Jover’s steerage, Arsenal have turned a easy side of the sport right into a decisive weapon, underscoring their title credentials. Will it ever be stopped?
Arsenal return to Champions League motion tonight towards Dinamo Zagreb .
