Arsenal ultimately had to rely on set-pieces to beat Manchester United on Wednesday evening.
Both of the Gunners’ goals against the Red Devils came from corners, with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba finding the net.
Declan Rice was Arsenal’s stand out player, and caused havoc throughout the match with the quality of his deliveries into the box from corners. Bukayo Saka was also able to deliver his set-pieces into the penalty area with devastating accuracy.
As Fulham prepare to take on Arsenal this Sunday, they will be trying to mastermind a way of countering the threat that the North London club pose in this regard. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover will be working out new routines to outfox the Cottagers.
Mikel Arteta reacts to Gary Neville dig at Nicolas Jover
Jover has been described as Arsenal’s secret weapon in the past, and for good reason. The Gunners have scored significantly more goals from set-pieces than any other Premier League side since the start of last season.
Mikel Arteta is well aware of the value that the Frenchman adds, and has now spoken up in his colleague’s defence.
Gary Neville described Jover as the most “annoying” man in football, in the aftermath of Timber’s goal against Manchester United.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of the encounter with Fulham, as quoted by Football.London, Arteta was asked to respond to the pundit’s comments.
The Spanish coach said: “We take it as a compliment. There is a lot to improve and the margins are always there for us to improve and get better.”
Arsenal fans defend Nicolas Jover
Arteta was not the only one to leap to Jover’s defence.
Many Arsenal fans on X also took issue with Neville’s statement.
One said: “Nothing encapsulates rival fans’ hatred towards Arsenal better than this example. Jover just does his job on the touchline during set pieces, better than anyone right now, and sits back down. That’s it.”
Another claimed: “Ridiculously unprofessional of him to say this lol. Jover literally hasn’t said a word about anything to a single media outlet, all he does is coach the teams set pieces.”
Another Arsenal fan described Jover as: “Our secret weapon.”
One dubbed him: “One of our greatest signings for sure.”
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