Rio Ferdinand makes bold prediction for Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover

Nicolas Jover has had an enormous impact on Arsenal’s set pieces since joining from Manchester City (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal will face a battle to keep hold of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, according to Rio Ferdinand.

The Gunners’ set-piece guru was credited with playing a major role in Sunday’s north London derby win over Tottenham after the only goal of a tight contest came from another well worked routine.

Jover’s reputation as a dead ball coaching expert was initially earned at Brentford, before he gained further notoriety as Manchester City who hired him on Mikel Arteta’s recommendation.

The Arsenal manager pulled off a major coup when he convinced the German-born Frenchman to move to north London and his impact on Arsenal, both offensively and defensively, has been remarkable.

Gabriel Magalhaes’ bullet header from Bukayo Saka’s expertly delivered cross represented the 17th goal Arsenal have scored from a corner since the start of last season and 42nd from a set piece since Jover was prised from City in three years ago.

And while he might be an expert in his field, Ferdinand believes it won’t be long before the 42-year-old begins to harbour loftier ambitions and wants to take on greater responsibility.

‘I used to hate standing about in the cold doing set-pieces, the Manchester United legend told Rio Ferdinand Presents.

Gabriel’s header, from Bukayo Saka’s corner, was enough for Arsenal to win the north London derby (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

‘It’s the worst thing, nobody enjoys it. The difference at Arsenal will be that they’re now seeing the benefits abd licking their lips.

‘They will be going bring it on, give us another set-piece drill, give us something new. That guy is going to be walking about like he is the Don.

‘If he’s not a manager within three years I’ll be surprised. He’ll be a manager somewhere I bet you.’

Arteta, meanwhile, singled Jover out for praise in the wake of a third straight win for his side at the Tottenham Stadium.

He said: ‘In his field, in other fields, as a person, the relationship that we have, that’s why I made a decision to bring him to City when I was there and then to Arsenal.

‘Him and the staff, they have injected the belief to the players that there are many ways to win football matches and that this is a really powerful one.

‘He’s given us a lot, so big compliment to all of them.’

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