Moyes Backs Arteta Amidst “Beautiful Game” Scrutiny
Everton manager David Moyes has staunchly defended Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta, dismissing criticism levelled at the Gunners’ playing style as “unbelievable” and unfounded. Despite Arsenal’s stellar performance this season – topping the Premier League table and securing first place in their Champions League group – Arteta has faced scrutiny for an alleged over-reliance on set-pieces and a perceived lack of “exciting football.”
Moyes, who has a long-standing connection with Arteta, having signed him as a player during his tenure at Everton, expressed his bewilderment at the backlash.
“What’s up with any of those things you say?” Moyes questioned, addressing the notion that excelling at set-pieces is a problem. “You’re making it sound like that’s a problem because they’re good at set-pieces. They’re a strong, physical side, and I don’t see a problem with any of that – it’s part of the game.”
The veteran Scottish manager went on to elaborate on his perspective, challenging the prevailing narrative that football must always adhere to a strict definition of “beautiful game” to be considered successful.
“There’s this thing out there where everybody has to play the beautiful game and everything has to be perfect,” Moyes remarked. “Well, if we all did that, it would be boring. The game is about winning, and if you can win by being good at set-pieces, then that’s a skill in itself.”
Moyes highlighted the calibre of managers currently operating in English football, placing Arteta firmly within that elite group.
“We’ve got some unbelievable managers, and Mikel is one of them, who have come into this country and shown us what they can do,” he stated. “Perhaps some managers struggle to maintain that high level of performance and style consistently. However, Mikel has demonstrated the ability to evolve his team, adapt his tactics, and move them forward effectively.”
The Everton boss’s defence comes as his own team prepares to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Moyes also provided a brief update on his squad, expressing hope that defender Jarrad Branthwaite would be available for the crucial fixture. Branthwaite had missed Everton’s recent warm-weather training camp in Portugal, and his potential return would be a welcome boost for the Toffees.
Moyes’ comments suggest a broader appreciation for tactical diversity and pragmatism in football management. While some fans and pundits may yearn for a relentless attacking display, Moyes’ perspective underscores the idea that success can be achieved through various means, including a strong defensive organisation and proficiency in set-piece situations. He believes that judging managers solely on their adherence to a romanticised notion of “beautiful football” overlooks the strategic nuances and competitive realities of the modern game.
The Arsenal manager, under Moyes’ defence, is portrayed not just as a tactician but as an innovator who has successfully instilled a winning mentality and a well-drilled unit. The criticism, from Moyes’ viewpoint, fails to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of football and the valid strategies employed by successful teams. The ability to adapt and evolve, as Moyes suggests Arteta has done, is a hallmark of strong leadership and a key factor in sustained success. This defence from a fellow respected manager in the Premier League adds a significant weight to Arteta’s current achievements and challenges the narrative of his perceived shortcomings.
