Gary Neville Slams Arsenal's Set-Piece Coach Nicolas Jover in Controversial Remarks After Gunners' Win on Manchester United

In the aftermath of Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League, Gary Neville made a controversial statement that has quickly caught the attention of football fans everywhere. While Arsenal’s win was largely due to their clinical ability from set-pieces, Neville decided to direct his frustration at the person behind their impressive set-piece routines – Nicolas Jover, Arsenal’s set-piece coach.

Arsenal’s set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, has become one of the key reasons behind their success in recent seasons. Since joining from Manchester City, Jover has transformed the Gunners’ dead-ball situations into a weapon that other teams now fear. On Wednesday night, Arsenal showcased just how dangerous they can be from corners, with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba both finding the net from set-piece deliveries.

It’s no surprise that set-pieces have been a major source of goals for Arsenal, especially under Mikel Arteta’s leadership. With Jover’s influence, Arsenal has scored the most set-piece goals in the Premier League since last season. Opponents now dread when the Gunners earn a corner or a free-kick because they know that Jover’s tactical setup in these situations is almost always a serious threat.

Despite Arsenal’s dominance in these situations, it was Gary Neville’s comments during his watch-along on The Overlap that sparked controversy. While discussing the match, Neville, frustrated by United’s inability to defend Arsenal’s set-pieces, couldn’t help but single out Arsenal’s set-piece coach for criticism.

“The set-piece coach at Arsenal, he’s got to be the most annoying bloke in football,” Neville said, offering no clear reason behind the remark. His words immediately raised eyebrows, especially since Jover has played a crucial role in Arsenal’s success.

Neville’s outburst is strange, given how much impact Jover has had at Arsenal. As a set-piece coach, Jover’s ability to turn set-pieces into a consistent source of goals for Arsenal has been nothing short of impressive. Yet, Neville chose to target him with an unprovoked jibe. This isn’t the first time Neville has commented negatively about Jover; it seems that he’s been irked by the Frenchman’s success for a while now.

Some may wonder why Neville has taken aim at Jover in such an unprovoked way. One possible explanation is a sense of jealousy. Neville, a Manchester United legend and former player, was once in a high-profile position himself, but his short and unsuccessful managerial career was largely forgettable. Meanwhile, Jover has been flourishing as one of the best set-piece coaches in the game, turning Arsenal into a lethal force from corners and free kicks.

It must be difficult for Neville to watch someone else succeed in a coaching role, especially when that person has managed to accomplish so much in a short period. Jover has already achieved more as a coach than Neville did in his brief managerial spell. While Neville was criticized for his time as a manager, Jover is thriving with Arsenal, and that contrast may not sit well with the former United defender.

Neville is, of course, entitled to his opinions, but his frustration over Arsenal’s success with set-pieces seems to be clouding his judgment. As a pundit, Neville often shares his insights on the game, but it’s clear that his comments on Jover have taken a personal turn. If there were ever an award for the “most annoying bloke in football,” Neville’s own reputation might give him a strong claim to the title – especially when it comes to his persistent criticism of others.

Jover’s work speaks for itself, and Arsenal’s set-piece success shows that the Frenchman is doing a fantastic job with Arteta’s team. His methods are clearly paying off, and Arsenal fans are delighted with the impact he’s had on the squad.

At the end of the day, Gary Neville’s criticism of Nicolas Jover seems misplaced. Jover is doing an exceptional job as Arsenal’s set-piece coach, and his success has contributed significantly to the team’s recent form. Meanwhile, Neville’s comments only serve to show his frustration with Arsenal’s dominance and his inability to move past his own failed managerial stint.

If Neville’s aim was to disrupt Jover’s focus or undermine his achievements, it’s safe to say that it hasn’t worked. Arsenal’s set-piece coach continues to prove himself as a vital part of the team’s success, while Neville’s negative remarks only seem to fuel the growing admiration for Jover’s work at the Emirates.