Arsenal’s set-piece revolution reviewed: the tactics behind their rise | OneFootball

Mundo Deportivo‘s recent analysis, “Jover’s Arsenal, king of strategy in the Premier League,” takes a close look at how important Nicolas Jover has been in making Arsenal a set-piece powerhouse.

The article shows how Arsenal has become more strategic under Jover, who has become a crucial part of Mikel Arteta‘s coaching staff. As tactics play a bigger role in top-level football, Jover’s influence is making Arsenal stand out in set-piece design.

Mundo Deportivo, Jover’s Arsenal, king of strategy in the Premier League. 6 December 2024

The article points out Arsenal’s success with some solid numbers. Arsenal has scored 22 goals from corners over the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons, highlighting their edge over other Premier League teams. Mundo Deportivo presents Jover as the architect behind this success, showing just how important his expertise has been in reshaping Arsenal’s approach to set-pieces.

The piece also explains how Arsenal’s corner-taking tactics have evolved. Initially, the focus was on delivering to the near post, which worked well. But this season, the approach has changed, with corners now aimed at Gabriel Magalhães, who has become the go-to finisher.

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The tactics go beyond targeting one player; Jover’s detailed design involves positioning players further back and grouping five players together before spreading out to attack different parts of the box.

This smart use of space makes it harder for defences to keep track, giving Arsenal an extra edge.

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Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are also highlighted as key figures, not just for their overall play but for their contributions to Arsenal’s set-piece strength.

Each has seven assists from set-piece situations, which speaks to their ability to deliver accurately and consistently.

Gabriel Magalhães, meanwhile, is noted as the top-scoring defender since he joined, and this is directly linked to Arsenal’s well-designed set-piece plays.

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While the article mostly praises Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency, it also touches on a bigger trend in elite football. As defences get stronger and harder to break down, dead-ball situations have become more important.

Jover’s work shows how well-designed set-pieces can be the difference in tight games.

Overall, Mundo Deportivo paints a strong picture of Arsenal as set-piece kings in the Premier League, crediting Jover’s planning and execution.

The focus on key players and tactical shifts gives a good insight into how top teams can make the most of every opportunity.

Although there are areas that could use more scrutiny, the article captures Arsenal’s new tactical edge well.