Arsenal is poised to leverage a unique advantage in their Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, utilizing a set-piece strategy orchestrated by set-piece specialist Nicolas Jover. Under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have developed into one of Europe’s leading teams for corners and free-kicks, primarily due to Jover's innovative tactics. After collaborating with Arteta at Manchester City, Jover was brought to Arsenal in 2021, where his strategies have significantly contributed to the team's scoring success from set pieces.
Since Jover's arrival, Arsenal has netted 44 goals from set-pieces (excluding penalties), with an impressive 25 of those in the Premier League since the start of last season. This performance is the highest in the English top-flight during that timeframe, showcasing their effectiveness in exploiting dead-ball situations. A notable example was Gabriel Magalhaes’ crucial header during a 2-2 draw against Manchester City, highlighting the importance of Jover’s work in enhancing the team's overall performance.
Arteta has openly acknowledged Jover’s critical role within the squad, emphasizing the confidence he instills in the players regarding their ability to win matches through various strategies. The coach's affection for Jover was evident during a recent match when he celebrated passionately after another successful set-piece routine led to a victory over Tottenham. Arsenal forward Kai Havertz also praised Jover, underlining the importance of their set-piece training and how pivotal these situations can be in determining match outcomes.
In stark contrast, PSG has been criticized for neglecting set-piece training under manager Luis Enrique, leading to a pattern of conceding goals from corners and free-kicks. Their lack of focus on these situations stands in sharp contrast to Arsenal's meticulous preparations, which could leave PSG vulnerable to Jover’s tactics. The growing trend among successful clubs to prioritize set-piece strategies has been reinforced by various teams investing in specialists. With Arsenal leading the charge in this area, they are well-positioned to exploit PSG's weaknesses, setting the stage for a compelling matchup.
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