Arsenal's set-piece 'obsession' blamed for imminent title failure as Gary Neville takes aim at Nicolas Jover

Arsenal had the opportunity to cut their gap to Liverpool down to five points as the Reds took on Manchester City while they faced off against an inconsistent West Ham at the weekend. However, they were served a double whammy as they fell to a 1-0 loss at the Emirates before the Premier League leaders won 2-0 against the defending champions to stretch their lead to 11 points and effectively put the title race to bed.

Arsenal's set pieces have been a major strength over the last season-and-a-half as Mikel Arteta's side have utilised clever dead-ball moves to get goals on the board. Arsenal assistant coach Nicolas Jover has been at the centre of a lot of attention from fans and pundits for his work on those set pieces. However, Neville feels that the Gunners' 'obsession' with the tactical manoeuvres has caused them to slip out of the title race.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said: "Liverpool have dropped points in their last eight games. Liverpool have drawn two in the last three, drawn four in the last eight. Arsenal had a chance to get back closer, they could've gone within five points, yesterday. It's a big blow. A really big blow.

"Questions will start to be asked, because it's that type of season where you think it was up for grabs. Arne Slot has come in as the new manager, [Jurgen] Klopp's left. I certainly felt there would be a drop-off at Liverpool, but Slot has been such a cool customer from day one. He's in complete control.

"Arsenal have become quite rigid, they've become quite turgid at times to watch. This obsession with set pieces, which was overtaking their whole game, exacerbated by this presence of the set-piece coach on the touchline which puts more focus on set-pieces. It's like... no. The freedom's gone a little bit from them.

"I know that they've lost Saka, and I know that they've lost Jesus, and I know they've lost Havertz, which are big blows. I mean, let's be clear, that is a big problem for Arsenal. But I still think you've got to do that job yesterday against West Ham at home."

Arteta's side have struggled with injuries and their playing style has suffered a lot with Bukayo Saka's unavailability. Nonetheless, they still have a six-point cushion in second and will hope Liverpool slip up in the remaining months of the campaign.