In a disappointing Premier League clash on Wednesday, Arsenal defeated Manchester United 2-0, leaving Gary Neville visibly frustrated. It’s no surprise that the Manchester United legend was upset after the loss, which left his former side struggling in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Arsenal’s Set-Piece Mastery
Arsenal’s victory came largely thanks to their dominance in set-piece situations, a department in which they’ve excelled under the guidance of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover. The Gunners have become the most dangerous team in the Premier League when it comes to scoring from set pieces, and their success in this area has been widely recognized.
Neville’s Criticism of Jover
During a watchalong on The Overlap with Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright, and Roy Keane, Neville couldn’t help but aim a dig at Arsenal’s set-piece coach. He referred to Jover as “the most annoying bloke in football.” His frustration was evident, though his comments sparked some back-and-forth between the pundits.
Carragher’s Defense of Jover
While Neville criticized Jover, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher quickly came to the defense of Arsenal’s influential coach. Carragher humorously remarked that if Jover were to demand a high salary, Arsenal would have no choice but to meet his demands, given his success with set-pieces.
The Impact of Jover on Arsenal
Carragher’s praise for Jover was well-deserved. Under his tutelage, Arsenal has transformed into one of the most potent teams in the Premier League in terms of aerial threats. This added dimension to their attack has been crucial for Mikel Arteta, offering another route to goal when needed.
While Neville may not be a fan of Jover, his impact on Arsenal’s set-piece routines cannot be overstated. As much as others may criticize Arsenal for relying on set-pieces, the truth is they’ve mastered this aspect of the game, and all teams in the league would love to have a set-piece coach like Jover.
