A major rule change in the Premier League ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign could impact Arsenal’s chances in the race for the title.
We reported earlier that the Premier League are set to enforce a series of new norms and game rules to smoothen gameplay and curtail unnecessary hiccups.
While all the 20 clubs in the English top flight will be affected by the new rules, a particular vignette of the new provisions could hamper Arsenal’s prospects in the campaign.
As reported by The Times, the Premier League’s new rules are designed to curtail all forms of ‘holding tactics’ by clubs. This means teams like Arsenal, who benefited immensely from delayed tactics, would need to overhaul their set-piece strategy.
What is the particular new Premier League rule that will affect Arsenal’s set-piece strategy?
Center-referees for Premier League matches in the 2024-25 season have been given the leeway to monitor and control players’ movements on the field during set-pieces.
After winning a set piece, teams are expected to deliver it promptly without unnecessary delays. Approval has been granted for referees to penalize players who appear to intentionally delay their set-pieces.
Arsenal set-piece record in 2023-24 season
Arsenal was the most successful team in the Premier League in terms of converting set-pieces, thanks to a savvy set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover.
The Gunners scored 16 goals from corners – the highest number of converted corner kicks in the English top flight last season. The team’s subtle delay tactics to confuse opponents impacted the success. Now, they have to adopt a different strategy with the new rules closing the loophole.
Detailed breakdown of Premier League’s new rules for the 2024-25 Premier League season
With the 2024-25 Premier League season set to kick off on August 16, 2025, teams, players, and managers will be obliged to adapt to the new rules. Below is a detailed breakdown of the major provisions.
- Semi-automated offsides will be introduced but won’t start until after the international break in September, October, or even November.
- Only the captain can speak to the referee. Any other player will be automatically carded if they confront officials.
- Referees will no longer automatically give a yellow card for non-deliberate handballs.
- VAR officials will not get involved in subjective decisions: only CLEAR and OBVIOUS errors will be looked at.
- Team news will now be released 75 minutes before kick-off.
- No mid-season/Christmas break for the players
- Stoppage time will be shorter.
- There is a new Premier League Match Centre social-media account that will communicate the facts regarding VAR decisions.
Arsenal 2024-25 Premier League chances
Arsenal’s set-piece success played a crucial role in their bid for the Premier League title last season. While the new rules are likely to impact their chances on the race this season, they are still considered favorites to challenge for the title again for the third consecutive season.
We reported earlier that Mikel Arteta has set a 114-point target to beat Manchester City to the title in the 2024-25 season. This means the Gunners will have to win their matches to end their 20-year England Championships deadlock.
Arsenal will open their 2024-25 Premier League campaign with a home fixture against Wolves on Sunday, August 16, 2024 at the Emirates Stadium.
