David Moyes Slams Arsenal's Set-Piece 'Dark Arts' in Premier League
Everton manager David Moyes has launched a scathing critique of Arsenal's set-piece tactics, labelling them as "dark arts" and calling for a crackdown by match officials. The Gunners have been the most prolific scorers from set pieces in the Premier League this season, but Moyes argues their methods cross the line into unfair play.
Arsenal's Dominance from Corners Under Scrutiny
Arsenal have netted an impressive 17 goals from set pieces in the current campaign, more than any other top-flight side. This success stems from a combination of precise deliveries by players like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, coupled with the aerial threat of Gabriel Magalhaes and meticulously planned blocking schemes. Manager Mikel Arteta and set-piece coach Nicolas Jover have crafted routines that many teams are now attempting to replicate.
However, Moyes contends that the extent of grappling and obstruction has become excessive. "You are now allowed lots of blocking, for example. In my day if you blocked someone it would have been a free-kick. But blocking has become a big part of it," the Everton boss stated in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Newcastle United.
Moyes Points to Refereeing Standards
Moyes specifically highlighted Arsenal's approach, acknowledging their effectiveness but condemning the tactics involved. "Let's be fair, the best at it – but with style – would be Arsenal: good delivery, good style but ultimately there's a lot of dark arts in it such as blocking the goalkeeper from the back or the front, blocking defenders and making it difficult for them to be your key headers of the ball," he explained.
The veteran manager believes refereeing standards have slipped in this area, allowing such practices to flourish. "It is a big thing in football but I do think the level of refereeing has let that part of the game drop. And managers, if we see somebody else doing it and not getting punished for it, then we are all on it," Moyes added, suggesting a domino effect across the league.
Everton's Own Approach and Broader Concerns
Moyes admitted that Everton, like all teams, push the boundaries of what is permissible to gain an advantage. This comes after Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens recently criticised Everton's tactics as "a bit over the top" following a 1-0 defeat. Nevertheless, Moyes insists officials must intervene more decisively.
"It has been allowed to be let go, whether it be blocking of goalkeepers or blocking of defenders, and you get the feeling now that referees really don't want to get involved in any of it," he remarked. Moyes described the situation as verging on wrestling, emphasising that it should not be tolerated. "It is nearly wrestling to an extent, which it shouldn't be. It should never have gone to this situation but I think it's been really poor that they've not tried to deal with it well enough and stop it."
As Arsenal continue to leverage set pieces for success, Moyes's comments underscore a growing debate about physicality and fairness in modern football, with calls for stricter enforcement to preserve the sport's integrity.
