Moyes Backs Arsenal Style: ‘Over The Top’ Criticism Unfair

David Moyes has leapt to the defence of Arsenal’s much-criticised playing style, dismissing talk about the Gunners’ approach as ‘over the top’ ahead of Everton’s trip to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The Everton boss, who managed Mikel Arteta for six years at Goodison Park, believes there should be ‘no shame’ in how Arsenal are conducting their Premier League title bid this season.

Moyes Praises Former Player’s Approach

Speaking about his former midfielder’s tactical evolution, according to the Daily Mail, Moyes said: “Arsenal have been excellent. From the first game of the season. Probably maybe outside PSG, the biggest favourites for the Champions League. It’s amazing people have been critical, who are the people who have been critical of them?”

The Scot acknowledged that while Arteta would have learned from his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, he may have also picked up management and leadership qualities during their time together at Everton.

“There’s no shame in playing or being any one thing,” Moyes added. “The Premier League has never been one way.”

Set-Piece Dominance Under Fire

Arsenal’s direct style and set-piece prowess have drawn criticism from some quarters this season, but Moyes believes the north London side are simply maximising their advantages within the rules.

“Unless the referees do more on set-pieces – which they really should be doing, to be honest – you’d have to say they are taking all the advantages they can get. They have an incredible squad,” he stated.

The former West Ham manager also reserved special praise for Declan Rice, whom he nurtured during their time together in east London. Moyes described the midfielder as “the next Bobby Moore” and tipped him as a future England captain.

“The biggest respect I can give him is that I thought he was the next Bobby Moore. The way he conducts himself. I see him as a future England captain. I would not be surprised if he won all the individual awards,” Moyes said.

Everton arrive at the Emirates in strong away form, having lost just one of their last 10 games on the road, including impressive victories at Old Trafford, St James’ Park and Villa Park. However, they may be without defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who is being carefully managed following hamstring surgery earlier this season.

The weekend clash presents an intriguing subplot as Arteta faces his former mentor, with Arsenal looking to maintain their position at the top of the table while Everton seek to continue their impressive away run.