Mikel Arteta’s Key Strategy Shines for Arsenal Ahead of New Premier League Season

Arsenal have become a potent force from set-pieces since Nicolas Jover joined Mikel Arteta’s coaching team – and the Londoners scored twice from deadballs against Lyon

Twists and turns aplenty lie ahead in the new Premier League season, but Arsenal have come through pre-season in rude health.

The Gunners came agonisingly close to pipping Manchester City to the domestic crown in the title in successive years and Mikel Arteta and co will be determined to go one better this season.

Arsenal rounded off their preparations for the new campaign with a 2-0 win over Lyon courtesy of goals Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba – and the fact both goals came from set-pieces shouldn’t be overlooked.

Arsenal’s prowess from set-pieces has played a huge part in their revival and the man credited as the mastermind behind that is former Manchester City coach Nicolas Jover.

The Spaniard became known as something of an innovator during a two-year spell working under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad before Arsenal came calling.

Jover, who became embroiled in a confrontation with Erling Haaland last season, was lauded by Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville back in April when Arsenal put Tottenham to the sword with two set-piece goals in a 3-2 win.

“It’s getting messy for Spurs, but Arsenal are sending a message: ‘Over to you, Manchester City’,” Neville said while Arsenal celebrate.

“Set-pieces, Arsenal have been outstanding at them all season. In parts of the season where they weren’t playing great football, it was the attacking set-pieces such a big factor. They’ve just got options. The delivery is perfect but there are four or five of them in there all looking like they could get a glance on it. Havertz does. He’s on a dream run, the German. There he is again, the set-piece guru gets a hug [from Mikel Arteta].”

As well as Arsenal’s efficiency from set-pieces, fans were treated to their first glimpse of summer signing Riccardo Calafiori: the versatile Italy defender signed from Bologna.

The highly-rated 22-year-old was introduced just after the hour mark at the Emirates as Arsenal cantered to a win over their Ligue 1 opponents. The former AS Roma star will bolster the Gunners’ defence and it’s unlikely he’ll be the club’s only new signing.

Real Sociedad playmaker Mikel Merino continues to be linked with Arsenal, while Arteta is also keen to strengthen in the forward areas before the transfer deadline later this month.