Exclusive: Mikel Arteta discusses Arsenal’s success with set pieces, Nicolas Jover’s contribution, and the strategic manipulation of opponents.

Mikel Arteta has dismissed reports suggesting that he will leave Arsenal, stating that they are “totally untrue” and that he is “really upset” by the speculation. The Arsenal manager has instead focused on praising the impact of his specialist set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, who has played a key role in the team’s success in dead-ball situations.

Under Jover’s guidance, Arsenal have scored 13 goals from set-pieces this season, the highest in the Premier League. This marks a significant improvement from last season, where they only managed to score five goals from set-pieces. Jover’s arrival at the club in 2021 has coincided with a rise in set-piece goals, with Arsenal scoring a combined total of 44 since then, more than any other team in the league.

Jover, who previously worked for Montpelier, Croatia, and Brentford, was recruited by Arteta after the two met at Manchester City. Arteta recognized the importance of set-piece plays and convinced Jover to join him at Arsenal. Speaking about Jover’s impact, Arteta said, “He’s having a really strong impact on the team.”

Arsenal’s set-piece prowess has not gone unnoticed, with many highlighting their strengths, especially after their recent 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace. The Premier League even posted a detailed breakdown of Gabriel’s goal from a set-piece on social media.

Arteta acknowledges the added interest in Arsenal’s set-piece routines and emphasizes the need to keep things fresh and adaptable. He believes that opponents are intelligent and constantly adapt their defensive strategies, so Arsenal must also evolve their set-piece plays. Arteta also stresses the importance of having the right players to execute these routines and how it factors into team selection and recruitment.

In the end, Arteta believes that success in set-pieces comes down to tricking the opponent, being consistent, and having players who believe in the team’s tactics. He states, “When players believe in what we do, then you have a bigger chance to do it.”

Arsenal’s next match against Nottingham Forest will be broadcast on TNT Sports 2, with coverage starting at 19:00 on Tuesday, January 30. Fans can subscribe to TNT Sports through various TV platforms and use the Pub Finder tool to locate establishments showing the game.