David Moyes makes feelings clear on Arne Slot criticism with clear Arsenal verdict

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Arne Slot said that the Premier League's newfound obsession with set-pieces "hurts his football heart" but David Moyes has no issues with it

David Moyes had his say on set-pieces in the Premier League(Image: 2025 Getty Images)

David Moyes said he has no issue with many Premier League clubs' newfound approach to set-pieces.

There has been a lot of attention on Arsenal and how many goals they have scored from corners this season, and Arne Slot ramped the interest up in the topic last week when he said that his "football heart doesn't like it".

"You have to accept it," said Slot. "I think it's mainly here in the Premier League. If I watch other leagues I don't think there's so much emphasis on set-pieces.

"If I watch an Eredivisie game, which I still do, I see goals being disallowed and fouls on goalkeepers being given and I think 'wow, that's a big difference'. "Here, you can almost hit a goalkeeper in his face and the referee still says 'just go on'.

"Do I like it? My football heart doesn't like it. If you ask me about football, I think about the Barcelona team from 10, 15 years ago. Every Sunday evening you were hoping they would play.

"Now, most of the games I see in the Premier League are not for me a joy to watch but it's always interesting because it's so competitive.

"That is what makes this league great because there is so much competitiveness. Everyone can win against everyone."

Moyes – whose Everton side faced criticism for its approach to corners against Manchester United last week – unsurprisingly does not share Slot's view on the matter.

Moyes responded to Slot's comments(Image: Getty Images)

"A lot of teams have set piece coaches now so that tells you where the game is going," Moyes said.

"I have no problem with it. There is much more detail that goes into scoring and defending against them. In years gone by, we all spoke about going to Stoke and being prepared for that.

"If you are good at it, why not use it. I don’t see why you wouldn’t try and find a way of winning. Some teams are good at it, and there is so little between all the teams in the Premier League that every small detail matters.

"Arsenal has been brilliant all year and looks to be one of the favorites for the Champions League, too. Mikel has done a brilliant job.

"I hear a lot of criticism but if you are in football, you know how it works and well they have done."