Arsenal demonstrated a notable improvement in their set-piece performance against Burnley, showcasing a marked contrast to their earlier struggles criticized by Gary Neville during the Newcastle match. Arsenal’s set-piece effectiveness, a specialty of coach Nicolas Jover, was evident in their recent encounter with Burnley, where two out of three goals originated from set-pieces and direct play.
The disappointing outing against Newcastle, marked by VAR controversies and physical duels, had prompted Neville’s outspoken critique of Jover’s coaching style and Arsenal’s set-piece delivery. Neville, on his podcast, expressed frustration with Jover’s animated touchline presence and perceived pressure on the player taking corners.
The response from Arsenal against Burnley, with two successful set-piece goals and ongoing threats, seemed to silence any potential concerns raised by Neville. Vincent Kompany, Arsenal’s head coach, acknowledged the team’s set-piece prowess and emphasized the constant challenge they pose to opponents.
Kompany lauded Arsenal’s ability to create set-piece opportunities, even against top-tier opponents, attributing their success to maintaining possession and strategic play around the opponent’s box. According to Kompany, facing Arsenal involves dealing with various threats, including dangerous set-plays, showcasing the team’s comprehensive testing of their adversaries.
In light of Kompany’s praise, it appears that Arsenal has effectively addressed any doubts about their set-piece capabilities, possibly in response to Neville’s criticism, even without explicit acknowledgment.
