Premier League veteran manager hits back at Mikel Arteta’s critics

FootballSports
13 Mar 2026 • 10:44 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Everton manager David Moyes has defended Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta against recent criticism regarding his team's playing style.
  • Arteta has faced scrutiny for Arsenal's perceived over-reliance on set-pieces and a lack of exciting football, despite leading the Premier League and their Champions League group.
  • Moyes, who previously managed Arteta at Everton, dismissed the criticism, stating that being proficient at set-pieces is a valid part of the game.
  • He highlighted that not every team needs to play “the beautiful game” and that variety makes football more interesting.
  • Moyes praised Arteta as an 'unbelievable' manager who has successfully evolved his team.

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