Home Football Arsenal’s set-piece maestro Nicolas Jover is honoured with mural outside the Emirates – but rival fans mock the painting as ‘EMBARRASSING’

Arsenal’s set-piece maestro Nicolas Jover is honoured with mural outside the Emirates – but rival fans mock the painting as ‘EMBARRASSING’

Football — 12/13/2024

Arsenal fans have celebrated set-piece coach Nicolas Jover with a mural near the Emirates Stadium, acknowledging his pivotal role in the club’s remarkable transformation in aerial dominance. Located in the Hornsey Road tunnel, the black-and-white mural portrays Jover in his Arsenal coaching jacket, standing as a tribute alongside images of players and manager Mikel Arteta.

Since joining Arsenal three years ago, Jover has helped the team become the Premier League’s most prolific side from corners, a key factor in their title challenge this season. His meticulously crafted routines have directly influenced crucial results, including victories over Manchester United and a hard-fought draw against Fulham.

The mural is a testament to the appreciation fans have for Jover’s contribution as part of Arteta’s coaching team. Painted on the corner of a traditional brick wall, it humorously reflects his focus on set-piece strategies while symbolizing his integral role in Arsenal’s success.

Arsenal 's much-hailed set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has been memorialised by club supporters with his own mural

Arsenal ‘s much-hailed set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has been memorialised by club supporters with his own mural

The mural shows Jover wearing an Arsenal coaching jacket and down has been ironically painted on the corner of the wall

Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has been honored with a mural depicting him in an Arsenal coaching jacket, smiling with a corner of a pitch subtly etched into the design. The tribute recognizes Jover’s transformative impact, as Arsenal have scored 23 goals from corners this season—eight more than any other Premier League team. His innovative tactics have turned the Gunners into a constant threat at set pieces, leaving rival defenses struggling to cope.

However, while Arsenal’s prowess at corners has drawn widespread praise, manager Mikel Arteta is focused on ensuring his team becomes more effective in open play. Speaking ahead of their 2-0 Champions League victory over Monaco, Arteta emphasized the need for a sharper edge in front of goal:”We still have the dominance we have and need to get the killer instinct. We have more entries in the box than any other team, but the last part is not there.”

The mural celebrates Jover’s contributions, but it also underscores Arsenal’s intent to maintain balance by capitalizing on both set pieces and open-play opportunities as they continue to challenge for top honors this season.

The 43-year-old is a key figure in the Gunners set-up and has transformed them into set-piece monsters

Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has been pivotal in transforming the Gunners into a formidable team at dead-ball situations. His innovative tactics have earned him recognition as a key figure within the Arsenal setup, contributing significantly to their offensive and defensive strategies.

Speaking about improving the team’s attacking play, Arsenal’s manager noted the importance of balance and versatility:”We have to have more asymmetry on both sides and find the right balance with the players we have to be a threat from everywhere.”

Despite Jover’s success, a recently unveiled mural dedicated to him has sparked mixed reactions. While many fans appreciated the recognition, rival supporters were quick to criticize it. One post on X read:”This has to be the cringiest thing ever. A mural after a few set-piece goals in a quarter of a season? Embarrassing.”

The contrasting opinions highlight both the admiration for Jover’s impact and the scrutiny that often accompanies public displays of appreciation in football.