🎙️EXCLUSIVE: Carragher aims another dig at Arsenal’s set-piece coach as alarming stat emerges in the tie vs palace

Jamie Carragher couldn’t resist a cheeky jab at Arsenal’s set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, after pointing out that the Gunners have shown vulnerability from dead-ball situations this season—despite their reputation as set-piece specialists.

Jover has been widely lauded during the 2024–25 campaign for his role in Arsenal’s impressive set-piece record. On Wednesday night, they bagged their 16th set-piece goal of the league season when Jakub Kiwior nodded in a third-minute header from a free-kick at the Emirates.

However, defensive frailties were again exposed when Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze was left unmarked at the edge of the box and volleyed home a corner to equalize. The match ended 2-2 after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s late goal cancelled out Leandro Trossard’s first-half strike.

Post-match, Carragher noted that Arsenal have conceded the second-highest proportion of goals from corners in the Premier League this season—behind only Manchester United. He took the opportunity to aim a playful shot at Jover, who was even honoured with a mural by fans earlier in the season.

“In terms of percentages, only Man United are worse than Arsenal at defending set pieces,” Carragher said. “So when we hype up the set-piece coach… he’s unbelievable going forward, but they’ve got big issues at the back. Maybe they should halve his wages—or hire a defensive set-piece coach!”

He added, “It’s been one of the season’s standout stories, and rightly so. You always feel like Arsenal will score from a set piece. But it’s ironic they’re struggling at the other end.”

Carragher’s comments follow similar attention from fellow Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, who previously called Jover “the most annoying bloke in football” for his animated touchline behavior during set plays. That comment came during a watchalong of Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Manchester United in December—both goals that day came from corners.

Back then, Carragher had defended Jover, saying, “Give him what he wants. If you’re the set-piece coach at Arsenal, you could name your price. If he asked for 25 grand a week, you’d have to pay it.”

Following Wednesday’s draw, Arsenal have now dropped 18 points from winning positions this season. They trail league leaders Liverpool by 12 points, with the Reds needing just a draw against Tottenham on Sunday to clinch their 20th league title.