Pep Guardiola has admitted that he is particularly wary of Arsenal’s dangerous set-pieces ahead of their Premier League clash this weekend, a threat masterminded by former Manchester City coach Nicolas Jover. Jover, who worked with City from 2019 to 2021, has been instrumental in improving Arsenal’s effectiveness from dead-ball situations since joining the Gunners.

During his time at City, Jover helped the team improve their goal tally from set-pieces, and his influence has continued at Arsenal, where their prowess in this area has become a key strength. Last weekend, Gabriel’s header from a set-piece sealed victory for Arsenal in the North London derby, reinforcing how effective they have become under Jover’s guidance.
Guardiola acknowledged Arsenal’s growing strength from set-pieces and admitted that City will need to be cautious in this area. “There are many aspects, high pressing, sustain it for a long time,” Guardiola said. “Sometimes try to avoid set pieces because statistically maybe they are the best in the world with how good they work. Many things [we] have to pay attention to.”
Despite Jover’s past association with City, tensions have emerged. Last season, after Arsenal’s win over City at the Emirates, Jover’s attempt to shake hands with City players sparked controversy, as he had previously refused to do so after City’s victory the previous year. Kyle Walker expressed his frustration, saying, “I don’t like losing… Nico didn’t want to shake hands when we beat them before. When we lost, he wanted to shake my hand and I did not take it lightly.”
As the title race heats up, Guardiola and City will be keen to avoid giving Arsenal any opportunities from set-pieces, knowing all too well the threat Jover’s tactics pose.