“Everyone knows Arsenal has the best defensive dou in the world but this particular ONE, I haven’t seen such in Europe for the past 20-years… I’m scared for Haaland”: Pep Gaurdiorla says Arsenal has a defender who’s more aggressive and dangerous than Pepe and Ramos combined
Pep Guardiola is wary of Arsenal’s set-pieces masterminded by a former Manchester City coach.
Nicolas Jover started working with the Blues in 2019 and helped the squad to score more goals from set-pieces over the next two seasons. Carlos Vicens has since helped City set a Premier League record with their net goals from dead balls but Jover has transformed Arsenal.
Gabriel headed in the winner in the North London derby from a set-piece last Sunday to remind of their strength, and Guardiola is not expecting much joy up against a physical Arsenal team this weekend. “There are many aspects, high pressing, sustain it for a long time,” he 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.
Jover may be in for a frosty reception at the Etihad despite his connections to the club. He sparked fury among City players last season at the Emirates when he approached them to shake hands after Arsenal’s victory – having refused to do the same the previous year when the Blues beat them.
“I don’t like losing,” City defender Kyle Walker later explained. “A couple of matches before, Nico, who worked for Man City, he did not 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. Simple as that.”
