Moyes has no issue with Arsenal set-pieces ahead of Everton's visit

Everton boss David Moyes
Everton boss David MoyesReuters / Scott Heppell

Everton boss David Moyes has spoken to the media ahead of this weekend's clash with Arsenal.

Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon as they aim to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table. 

Since Moyes made his return to Everton, the Toffees have won the most matches on the road of any Premier League side other than Arsenal. 

Out of the 43 points that Everton have picked up this season, 24 have come on the road which will only The Gunners. 

Should Arsenal be criticised?

Moyes first spoke on the criticism of Arsenal’s style of play, which has seen them rely on set-pieces and often bully teams from corners. 

"I was going to say what criticism? They have done brilliant Arsenal. Mikel (Arteta) has done brilliant. I know they have been runners-up to Manchester City - well there is absolutely no shame in that, with over the last decade, how good Manchester City have been. 

"He's done a brilliant, brilliant job at Arsenal. He's got a great team and I think they have probably as big a chance this year of winning the league as they have ever had. They are right in the mix in the Champions League, they've got a League Cup (final coming up), they're in the FA Cup. So I would have to question the people who have been critical, that's for sure." 

Moyes defends Arsenal's set-piece tactics

Arsenal reached a milestone of 16 corner-kick goals in the Premier League after netting a brace from set-pieces in their victory against Chelsea earlier this month. Many have called out their pushing and pulling in the box, whilst often crowding the goalkeeper. 

However, Moyes jumped to the defence of Arteta’s set-piece tactics and revealed that not everyone has to win by playing beautiful football. 

“I don't see any problem with any of that. It's part of the game. 

"If there's this thing out there where everybody has to play the beautiful game and everything has to be perfect, well if we all do that then it would be boring. Football would be boring. Part of the reason you people are talking about it is because it might be slightly different from what we have seen for a few years. 

"It's giving you something to talk about, but I would hate to be going to football matches all the time and seeing football only played the one way. I want teams to play different styles and in different ways. 

"We have got some unbelievable managers, and Mikel is one of them, who have come into this country and shown us what they can do. But maybe they can't really stay with it and do it all the time. So you can bring something in, but you have got to bring something that is going to work. Mikel has been able to evolve his team and move it on. And he's certainly got a very good team at the moment."