Mikel Merino singles out the Arsenal coach who ‘decides matches’ on his own before Real Madrid clash

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Arsenal will need to be fully focussed and prepared for a Real Madrid onslaught in the second leg of their Champions League quarter final.

Jude Bellingham believed Real Madrid were ‘lucky’ to only concede three goals in the first leg but Arsenal will need to be wary of a strong reaction from the Champions League holders.

Real Madrid will need to create history in the pursuit of turning the tie around but former Gunners midfielder Dani Ceballos has fired Mikel Arteta a warning ahead of the Bernabeu clash.

Mikel Merino’s importance for Arsenal has dramatically increased in recent weeks and whilst it is still unclear whether he will have a forward or midfield role in Spain, he has singled out a member of Arteta’s coaching staff for praise.

READ MORE: Josh Kroenke breaks silence following Arsenal’s sensational Champions League victory over Real Madrid

Mikel Merino praises Arsenal coach Nicolas Jover

Speaking to Spanish media outlet Cope, Merino has given his verdict on Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover ahead of the tie with Real Madrid.

Merino stated: “Nicolas Jover is a star, he works incredibly hard on set pieces, and we train him a lot. In modern football, he’s very important and decides matches.”

Jover had been described as Arsenal’s secret weapon in the past however, it is not so secret anymore as teams are now fighting to find ways to stop the Gunners from dead ball situations.

In a match that could be decided by one decisive moment, Arteta and Jover will once again be formulating plans from set pieces as Arsenal look to make their dominance count in the air against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Jover confusion in Declan Rice free kick v Real Madrid

During the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, there was confusion among Arsenal fans as to whether Jover instructed Declan Rice to shoot over his first free kick.

Rice praised Bukayo Saka for his involvement in giving Rice the confidence to shoot from a dangerous area despite it coming to light that Jover wanted him to cross the ball.

The Gunners had obvious success from free kicks in the first leg but also caused problems from corner kick routines as well, William Saliba couldn’t get out of the way from a goal bound effort in the first half.

Arsenal’s strength in the air could be a weapon they use to get an all important goal in Madrid that would just give them that extra cushion in defending their three goal lead.