Now even Moyes has to defend Arteta from critiques

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has launched a blistering critique of Arsenal, branding the club “desperate cheats” who rely on what he described as “illegal” tactics. Brigton’s boss Fabian Hurzeler commented on Arsenal's playing style, their special - and for many illegal - strategy during set pieces, and their time wasting. Arne Slot doesn’t like that set pieces are now such a big deal in England, while Paul Scholes claimed that the Gunners could be "the most boring team" to win the title.

Are Arsenal’s set-piece goals illegal? Yes, if you ask Obi Mikel

All of a sudden, so much public pressure is on Arsenal, their style of play and the architect of their team – Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard had to answer questions about his tactics and set-pieces but his Saturday’s opponent, and former coach , thinks its all good for football.

“What's up with any of those things you say? You are making it sound as if that's a problem because they are good at set-pieces and they are a strong, physical side. I don't see any problem with any of that. It's part of the game. If there's this thing out there where everybody has to play the beautiful game and everything has to be perfect, well if we all do that then it would be boring. Football would be boring. Part of the reason you people are talking about it is because it might be slightly different from what we have seen for a few years. It's giving you something to talk about, but I would hate to be going to football matches all the time and seeing football only played the one way. I want teams to play different styles and in different ways” said the Scotsman.

Brighton boss slams Arsenal & Arteta: They are making their own rules! No one enjoyed this game!

Everton manager, who used to coach Arteta in his first stint with the But former Liverpool striker is of different opinion – he doesn’t even think that the first-placed Arsenal are the best team in the league, regardless of their style of play.

“Arsenal I think will go on to win the league. But you can't tell me they're as good as, or even close to Liverpool last season. I think Liverpool have got it in them - they're just not doing it consistently. Personally I think they're the best team in the Premier League. People will laugh like, "where are they, sixth in the league?" They trounced the league last season, they're just not playing well. But if you get the best performance out of every team in the Premier League and say, "right, go on. Your best against your best". I think Liverpool are the best team” Micheal Owen said on BBC's Wayne Rooney Show.