LONDON: Everton manager David Moyes has defended Arsenal’s tactical approach while praising Mikel Arteta as a great manager amid criticism of the team’s style of play.
Arsenal, who are currently leading the Premier League, have been criticised in recent weeks for relying too much on dead-ball situations, especially corner kicks, as their main goal-scoring strategy.
However, Moyes questioned the criticism and insisted it was part of the tactics of the game.
“You make it seem like it’s a problem because they’re good at set pieces and have a strong, physical team.
“I don’t see any problem with that. It’s part of the game,” Moyes said ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Arsenal.
Moyes, who coached Arteta when the player was with Everton, also described his former teammate as an excellent manager for successfully keeping Arsenal competitive in all competitions this season.
As well as leading the league by seven points over Manchester City, Arsenal are also still in action in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
Arsenal are scheduled to face City in the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium on March 22.
Moyes also defended tactical diversity in football and said the game would become boring if all teams used the same approach.
“If everyone had to play ‘beautiful football’ the same way, then football would become boring.”
“Part of the reason people are talking about it is because it’s a little different than what we’ve seen before,” he said.
Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler also praised Arteta despite previously criticising Arsenal’s time-wasting tactics.
Brighton lost 1-0 to Arsenal recently, but Hurzeler still admits Arteta’s achievements this season have been impressive.
“For me, Arteta is one of the best managers in the world and an example for many coaches,” said Hurzeler.
He also sent a message to Arteta expressing his respect for the manager and the entire Arsenal team.