In a recent commentary, Everton manager David Moyes has raised concerns about the tactics employed by Arsenal during set pieces, arguing that they border on unethical practices, or what he refers to as 'dark arts'. He emphasized the need for officials to tighter enforce rules to prevent excessive physical contact or 'wrestling' that can occur in such situations. Moyes' remarks come in light of Arsenal's remarkable success, having scored 17 goals from set pieces in the current Premier League season, which places them ahead of all other teams.

Arsenal's proficiency in set pieces has been fueled by precise deliveries from players like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, combined with intelligent movement and blocking strategies orchestrated by head coach Mikel Arteta and set piece coach Nicolas Jover. This has not only allowed them to excel offensively but has also drawn the scrutiny of opponents who struggle to defend against their innovative approaches at corners. Moyes believes the methods used by Arsenal, while effective, undermine the spirit of the game and warrant a reevaluation of how such situations are officiated.

As Arsenal continues to dominate set pieces in the Premier League, Moyes’ comments may spark further discussions within football circles regarding the interpretation of fouls and the role of officiating in maintaining fair play. His call for a crackdown reflects a broader concern among managers regarding the physical nature of modern football and the essential balance between competitiveness and sportsmanship.