Pep Guardiola thinks Everton fans have it all wrong with specific player criticism

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Everton supporters are concerned about how their side has been defending set pieces in recent weeks.

David Moyes has admitted he’s not pleased with Everton’s defending when it comes to set pieces.

With Manchester City up next on Monday, Pep Guardiola has gone against the grain and claimed that is one of Everton’s strengths.

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Set piece goals have cost Moyes’ side dearly in the last two games, but the Man City boss still believes it’s one of Everton’s real strengths.

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Pep Guardiola dismisses major concern from Everton supporters

Following the last two games, Evertonians have shared their concerns on TalkingPoints over how their side have defended set pieces.

James Tarkowski has been at fault for the two goals conceded in question, with the centre-back failing to win the header from either corner.

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“Really difficult [opponent]. Always have been,” Guardiola told the media about Everton.

“They defend really well. David Moyes knows exactly what to do from set pieces with Tarkowski. So, they’ve always been tough.”

Michael Keane may think Tarkowski is severely underrated, but it is hard to ignore his failure to deal with deliveries from Liverpool and West Ham in recent weeks.

The 33-year-old has won 71% of his aerial duels this season, which is impressive, but Guardiola’s suggestion of being strong at set pieces has been proven incorrect.

However, that may not prove a major issue for Everton on Monday evening.

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Man City do not pose a big set piece threat

As good as Manchester City have proven themselves to be over the years, scoring from set pieces is not their strong point.

In fact, only two other Premier League clubs have scored fewer goals from set pieces this season.

Guardiola’s men have scored eight times from set piece plays in the 2025/26 campaign, which is 12 fewer than their title rivals, Arsenal.

Everton will have to remain alert, but they have conceded just nine goals this season from set pieces – albeit two coming in the last two weeks.