'The best in his field': Arteta praises Arsenal's Nicolas Jover for his dominance at set-pieces | Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has paid tribute to Arsenal's set-piece coach Nicolas Jover for injecting confidence into his players after their narrow north London derby win kept the pressure on the Premier League Leaders Manchester City.

Gabriel's header in the second half from a corner by Bukayo Saka was enough to give Arsenal Arteta's side recorded a third consecutive win at their arch-rivals for the first time since the 1980s as they overcame the absences of suspended Declan Rice and injured captain Martin Ødegaard in midfield. It was the 17th goal they have scored from corners since the start of last season and their 42nd from a free-kick since Jover joined from City in 2021.

The Frenchman led the celebrations with Arteta in the dugout and, when asked if he is the best on his pitch, the Arsenal boss said: “On his pitch, on other pitches and as a person. And the relationship we have, that's why I made the decision to bring him to City when I was there and then to Arsenal.

“He and the rest of the staff have instilled in the players the belief that there are many ways to win football matches. This is a very powerful way and he has given us a lot. So a big compliment to all of them.”

Tottenham were 3-0 down at half-time. The corresponding meeting in April After conceding two goals from set-pieces, Ange Postecoglou insisted last season that “there are much more important things we need to concentrate on” but has since signed former Hibernian manager Nick Montgomery to take charge of that area of ​​the tram.

Asked if they had spent more time working on set-pieces this week to counter Arsenal’s threat, Postecoglou said: “For some reason people think I don’t care about set-pieces. It’s a story that can go on for years and years. I understand that. We work on them all the time but today we paid the price. It’s a burden I have to bear and I’m happy to do so. For us, the way forward is to try and turn the football we’re playing into something meaningful.”

The win means Arsenal go into next weekend's game at the Etihad Stadium two points behind the reigning champions. They must first travel to Italy to begin their Champions League campaign against Atalanta on Thursday. Arteta revealed he is awaiting news on Ødegaard's ankle injury and on Saka, who was replaced at the last minute after also suffering an injury.

“We have won three years in a row here. That is something very important,” said the Spaniard. “We have an important week ahead of us and that will give us a lot of motivation, energy and confidence.”