Arsenal set to reward set-piece mastermind with bumper new contract

Arsenal are set to reward 'the most annoying bloke in football' and his staff with bumper new contracts as a result of the Gunners' set-piece dominance.

Gary Neville's new favourite person, Nicolas Jover, came to the fore on Wednesday night as Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory by virtue of two set-piece goals. The Gunners have now scored a whopping 22 times from set plays since the start of last season - the most among Europe's top five leagues - and their ability from such situations was pivotal in sustaining their title charge last term.

Arsenal, as was the case against Man Utd in midweek, are constantly able to break games open as a result of their set-piece supremacy. Jover is hugely responsible for their recent mastery, suggesting a bumper new deal is richly deserved.

Arsenal set to reward set-piece mastermind with bumper new contract

Arsenal's victory over United prompted cries of Arteta evolving his team into the latest iteration of Tony Pulis' Stoke City. Pulis, of course, was able to weaponise the throwing abilities of Rory Delap at the start of their Premier League journey, and thus the Gunners haven't quite reached the Potters' level of set-piece reliance.

According to the BBC, 43.1% of Stoke’s Premier League goals between 2008 and 2013 (81 of 188) came from set-pieces (excluding penalties). Since the start of last season, set-pieces have accounted for 25.2% of Arsenal's goals (30 of 119).

Arteta brought Jover to Man City when he was working as Pep Guardiola's assistant and the set-piece wizard followed him to north London.

There are several reasons for the Gunners' current dominance, including shrewd blocking of the goalkeeper, towering attackers, consistently brilliant deliveries, and perfectly timed movements to create space. Jover is only as good as the balls that are coming into the box, but the Spaniard doubtlessly deserves immense praise.

The Athletic report that Arsenal are readying new contracts for Jover and his staff which include hefty pay increases. Their new deals are expected to last until 2027.

Jover's chums perhaps embody Arteta's emphasis on the minor details more than anything else. Their set-piece mastery gifts Arsenal multiple chances per game to snatch results. In times of strife, the Gunners will always have dead-ball situations to fall back on. A safe haven.

Naysayers may continue to undermine Arsenal's work via Stoke comparisons, but the Gunners have proven after the November international break that they can win matches with swagger and grit. They're a multi-faceted unit capable of beating you a myriad ways.

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