Commentator aims brutal dig at Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta previously called 'best in class'

A commentator aimed a brutal dig at one of Mikel Arteta's coaching team during the first half of Arsenal's match against Newcastle.

Fans were clearly amused by the comment as they reacted to a video posted to X.

The commentator in question, Jon Champion, 59, is a voice that many supporters will be used to.

The Harrogate-born broadcaster previously narrated several high-profile matches as well as a period covering for legendary match commentator John Motson for BBC's flagship football programme Match of the Day.

But on Saturday afternoon, Champion aimed a jibe at Arsenal's set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.

Jover, 43, has been part of the Gunners' staff since 2021, having previously worked at Manchester City, Brentford and the Croatian national team.

"It’s amazing how quickly he retreats into the dugout when the set piece doesn’t go well,” said Champion.

Arsenal were 1-0 down at that point after Alexander Isak headed home Anthony Gordon's pinpoint cross to hand the home side the advantage on 12 minutes.

The Swede found space in between Arsenal's centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel.

Presumably, Jover will analyse the goal and advise the Gunners' defenders of how do improve in similar situations.

Set-piece coaches seem to be a trend in the Premier League at the moment with most club's employing one in order to get that extra edge over their opponents on free-kicks and corners.

Arteta praised Jover when asked if he was the best in his field back in September.

“In his field, in other fields, as a person, the relationship that we have, that’s why I made a decision to bring him to City when I was there and then to Arsenal," Arteta explained.

“Him and the staff, they have injected the belief to the players that there are many ways to win football matches and that this is a really powerful one.

“He’s given us a lot, so big compliment to all of them.”

Fans weighed in with their verdict on Champion's comments.

One said: "Does he want him to run on the pitch and start doing cartwheels?"

Another added: "What else is he meant to do?"

With a third saying: "Obviously he's [a] coach."