Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has commended Everton manager David Moyes for his influence on English football, while anticipating a tough encounter when both sides meet at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of the Premier League fixture, Arteta lauded Moyes’ experience, impact on the competition and reputation both professionally and personally.
“100%; I don’t know if it’s the king or what it is, but he’s certainly someone that I think we all look up to,” Arteta said when asked whether Moyes was the king of the Premier League.
“Not only for his longevity, but I think what he represents for the game, what he represents for the Premier League, and his trajectory.
“For me especially, because I know the man behind the coach, which is the most important thing, and then I really know as well the coach, and he’s a superb coach,” he said.
Having spent six years at Everton as a player, Arteta acknowledged the club’s strengths and the challenge they present to Arsenal.
“There are a lot, because I know David so well and how he sets the team, the quality they have in their organisation and individually.
“It’s no coincidence they didn’t lose before their last game. They have a really good team, which we know because in recent clashes, it’s always been a really difficult game for us,” he stated.
Arsenal welcome Everton on Saturday as they seek to maintain their momentum, with Arteta noting that opponents’ tactical approaches often shape the course of a match.
Asked whether he preferred teams to attack Arsenal rather than defend deep, the Spaniard explained that every side would adopt the strategy it considered most effective.
“Every team is going to prepare in the best way with how they think they can beat us, like we do with the opponent.
“You could have an open chance in the first 10 minutes that changes the game and then the next 80 minutes are different because of the context of the game, results have a huge impact on how teams behave,” the coach disclosed.
He added, “We need to be able to win and enjoy as much as possible in every context.”
Arteta insists Arsenal must entertain supporters
The Arsenal manager also responded to criticism of his team’s playing style, insisting that the Gunners must concentrate on their performances while showing respect to every opponent.
“I think you have to respect every opponent – it would be good to be a bit consistent, but it’s understandable,” he said.
“It’s a game where we are passionate and emotional with what we’ve just seen. It’s normal, and you can forget what a team has just done.”
He added, “But that’s normal, that’s the expectation, and our job is to create constant excitement. The opponent has a lot to do with how they want to play, it’s inevitable, but it’s on us.”
With domestic and European commitments continuing to test Arsenal, Arteta emphasised the importance of adapting and delivering strong performances against different challenges.
