Arsenal should consider parting ways with set-piece coach Nicolas Jover despite their 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday night—at least, that’s the surprising claim from beIN Sports’ senior anchor Richard Keys. Known for his habit of mixing praise with criticism, Keys once again found a flaw to highlight.
His suggestion seems odd, given that set-pieces have been a major strength for Arsenal in recent seasons. The club has scored more goals from dead-ball situations than any other team over the past five years. In fact, Declan Rice’s two free-kick goals—his first-ever in professional football—sealed the win at the Emirates.
However, Rice later admitted he had disregarded Jover’s instructions to cross the ball, a revelation Keys has latched onto as a reason to question the coach’s value.
Richard Keys Calls for Jover’s Dismissal
Never one to shy away from controversy, the 67-year-old commentator took to X the morning after the game, posting:
“Brilliant night for The Gunners. I’m glad they didn’t overdo it at the end – you never know with Madrid. One other thing – if I employed a set-piece coach & we hadn’t scored direct from a free-kick since Sept 21, I’d be sacking him – not celebrating with him!”
Jover has been a divisive figure this season. Some have praised the newfound attention on a typically behind-the-scenes role, while others argue he enjoys the limelight when things go right but disappears when set-pieces fail.
Still, Keys’ criticism appears more like an attempt to stir the pot than a valid argument. The statistics are undeniable—Arsenal has been the most successful team in the league from set-pieces this season. Suggesting Jover should be dismissed in light of that success seems ridiculous, even if Gary Neville did previously brand him “the most annoying bloke in football.”
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