'Embarrassing' - Arsenal ripped to shreds for giving limelight to set-piece coach Nicolas Jover as ex-Man Utd defender labels mural painted outside Emirates Stadium as 'Second Division' behaviour

It emerged in December 2024 that a wall close to the Gunners’ Emirates Stadium home had been adorned with a painting of German-born French tactician Jover. He is credited with helping to make Arsenal a serious threat from any dead-ball situation.

Jover previously filled similar roles at Brentford and Manchester City, before linking up with Mikel Arteta in north London. He has been branded the “most annoying bloke in football” by Manchester United legend Gary Neville, who is tired of hearing tales of his supposed set-piece mastery.

Another ex-Red Devils full-back, Paul Parker, shares that mindset. The former England international, speaking in association with Instant Casino, has told GOAL of the exposure that members of backroom teams are now enjoying: “Arsenal with their set-piece coach – come on, a set-piece coach shouldn’t be having murals painted. That’s making Arsenal look like a Second Division team. It’s embarrassing.

“You have got a manager, he’s the one that makes the decisions. The other people work for him and are all in it together. There is one leader and that’s all that matters.”

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Jover’s efforts have helped to push Arsenal into trophy contention this season, although another route to major silverware has been shut off after suffering defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. The Gunners will be back in Premier League action on January 15 when heading to Leicester.