- A new rule has been put in place to punish goalkeepers who waste time by giving away corners to opponents, and Arsenal fans are delighted
- The proposed changes are expected to prevent goalkeepers from holding onto the ball for long periods of time, and have been trialled in Premier League 2
- Arsenal have scored 22 goals from corners since last season, and their prowess was on display in their recent win over Manchester United
The new rule could give teams more corner kicks, and fans of Arsenal they have enjoyed the progress.
The Gunners have used corners well this season, and it has become their new weapon.
This was evident when they laid it down Manchester United 2-0 on Wednesday, December 4, all goals coming from corners.
Proposed changes to the stoppage time rule could benefit Arsenal, who have scored many goals from corners
Source: Getty Images
What is the new corner rule?
Lawmakers are considering a rule change that would give opponents a corner if a goalkeeper holds the ball for more than eight seconds.
The proposed changes have been tested in the Premier League 2 and trialled in Malta and Italy's under-20 league. If it prevents goalkeepers from holding the ball for long, it could be introduced in the top league, according to The Times.
Referees can award an indirect free kick if the goalkeeper holds the ball too long. However, this is rarely done due to the difficult nature of managing a free kick, which also creates a good scoring opportunity.
Is the new law working?
Patrick Nelson, chief executive of the Irish FA and board member of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), suggested the law had worked.
“Corners are completely absent, which shows us, in fact, looking at the data, that the restriction is what we want it to be at this time, and it increases the speed of the goalkeepers to release the ball and get it back into play.”
Goalkeepers have developed a habit of holding the ball for a long time to the point of wasting time, especially towards the end of the match. Others have taken yellow cards on purpose to waste as much time as possible.
Once established, goalkeepers will want to get the ball out as quickly as possible, especially when they come up against Arsenal, who have proven to be adept at taking corners.
The Gunners have scored 22 goals from corners since the start of the 2023/24 season, according to the BBC.
Fans are affected by the new rules about wasting time
@Gunnerssociety:
“Gabriel will win the Golden Boot.”
@LFCGeezy:
“No, don't do this, Arsenal will abuse this.”
@slimfrik:
“Arsenal are about to go unbeaten.”
@obai316:
“Arsenal will win the league by September.”
@ccc_4yetu:
“Goalkeepers won't hold the ball against Arsenal at that time.”
Arsenal beat Man United
Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that Arsenal scored two incredible corners to beat Man United at the Emirates stadium.
Defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba scored for Mikel Arteta's side in the second half to give them a fourth consecutive win against their immediate rivals.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
