Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has doubled down on his belief that a specialist set-piece coach isn’t the answer to his team’s recent defensive struggles despite conceding another two goals to corners against Arsenal.
Following their 3-2 derby loss to Arsenal, Postecoglou emphasised that Tottenham’s issues run deeper than set pieces and require a broader focus on the fundamentals of the game. He also expressed frustration with VAR (lol) and the perceived lack of authority of on-field referees.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou remains adamant that his team’s issues with defending set pieces are not due to a lack of specialised coaching. Despite not keeping a cleansheet since December, he believes addressing set pieces in isolation won’t bridge the gap between Spurs and top Premier League contenders like Arsenal.
Focus on fundamentals
Speaking after Spurs’ 3-2 derby loss to Arsenal – where the Gunners scored twice from corners – Postecoglou emphasised that Tottenham’s problems extend beyond set-piece situations. He said, “If I thought fixing defensive set pieces was the answer to us bridging the gap, then I’d put all of my time and effort into that. But that’s not where we’re at.”
Rather than hiring a dedicated set-piece coach, Postecoglou’s strategy prioritises a broader focus on the fundamentals of the game and he splits the role between two coaches – Ryan Mason and Mile Jedinak. He believes that eliminating lapses in concentration and improving decision-making under pressure are more crucial for overall improvement.
The details matter
Postecoglou highlighted Arsenal as a team that effectively executes the details that differentiate top contenders. He explained, “Credit to Arsenal, they’re there now. They’re a team that does deal with the details well and we don’t… There are thousands of details. You can’t give time and space to the opposition, you can’t make decisions or lose focus in any given moment.”
Frustration with VAR
Postecoglou also voiced frustration with refereeing decisions in the Arsenal match, including a missed call on what he believes to be a Leandro Trossard foul in the box (the Spurs player fell over) and a controversial offside call on Spurs (he was offside).
He, of course, did not mention the red card Richarlison should have had for slamming his shoulder into the face Gabriel, nor anything about Romero slapping Martin Odegaard in the face early in the first half.
— 🇧🇼🩵 (@lucam____) April 28, 2024
He also lamented the perceived lack of authority of on-field referees, contradicting what he said previously. “Games are not refereed in the stadium anymore,” Postecoglou said after he was on the end of what he considers a bad call against Arsenal, “I just don’t think referees in the stadium anymore have that authority they used to have to make decisions.”
This is from the man who, when he was on the good end of a dodgy VAR call that went in his team’s favour, previously said, “You have to accept the referee’s decision, that is how I grew up. This constant erosion of the referee’s authority is where the game is going to get – they are not going to have any authority. We are going to be under the control of someone with a TV screen a few miles away. The decision is the decision. In 26 years I have had plenty of bad decisions, I have had plenty fall in my favour. It is what it is.”
Spurs have now conceded 14 goals from set pieces this season.
Arsenal, with their set-piece coach in place, have conceded just six while they have scored 22, 100% more than Spurs, who have found the net that way 11 times. In terms of goal difference, that’s +19 in Arsenal’s favour.
Who is Arsenal’s set-piece coach?
Arsenal‘s success this season isn’t just about their attacking flair – it also stems from a marked improvement in dead-ball situations. The mastermind behind this transformation is set-piece coach Nicolas Jover. His strategic innovations were instrumental in Arsenal‘s recent 3-2 derby win over Tottenham and are proving crucial in their Premier League title bid.
Who is Nicolas Jover?
The 42-year-old’s coaching journey began with video analysis at French club Montpellier. After a stint with the Croatian national team, he moved to England in 2016, working with Brentford under Dean Smith and Thomas Frank.
His expertise caught Pep Guardiola‘s eye, leading to a set-piece coaching role at Manchester City in 2019. During this time, he worked alongside then-assistant coach Mikel Arteta.
In 2021, Arteta brought Jover to Arsenal, replacing outgoing set-piece specialist Andreas Georgson.
The Jover effect
Jover’s impact on Arsenal was immediate. He designed creative set-piece routines that have been a hallmark of their successful season.
Arsenal‘s tally of 16 headed goals is a testament to his work, equalling their Premier League record for a season. During the Tottenham game, Sky Sports’ Gary Neville aptly described Jover as “a little nuisance… but he’s damn good!”
Jover’s philosophy and impact
Jover’s success lies in his understanding that set pieces and open play are interconnected. He integrates set-piece tactics into Arsenal‘s overall style, making them a consistent threat.
His contribution has been undeniable – Arteta himself has praised Jover’s “strong impact on the team.”
As Arsenal inch closer to a potential title, Jover’s role in maximising their set-piece threat could prove the deciding factor against Manchester City in this tense race.