Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended his team’s corner tactics ahead of their Premier League match against Everton.

Mikel Arteta has defended Arsenal’s much-discussed corner tactics while speaking to the media ahead of their Premier League meeting with Everton at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal enter the match following a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie. Despite that setback, the Gunners remain in strong form domestically. Arteta’s side currently hold a seven-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table and are chasing what would be their first league title in 23 years.

The Arsenal manager also reflected on facing David Moyes, a figure he credits with playing a major role in his career. Arteta previously worked under Moyes at Everton and described the experienced coach as someone who had a significant influence on his development.

However, much of the attention in recent weeks has been on Arsenal’s approach to set pieces, particularly their corner routines, which have drawn criticism from rival managers and some supporters.

Arteta dismissed the criticism, insisting that his team are simply operating within the rules of the game. He suggested that if there are concerns about certain tactics, it is up to the rule-makers to address them rather than blaming teams for using them.

The Spaniard also pointed out that different tactical approaches, such as man-to-man marking, are part of the competitive nature of the Premier League, and he believes teams must adapt rather than complain about strategies that are currently permitted under the rules.