Arsenal Fans Rejoice As Proposed Corners Rule Change Emerges
- A new rule is set to punish time-wasting by goalkeepers by awarding corners to the opposition, and Arsenal fans are excited
- The proposed change is expected to deter goalkeepers from holding on to the ball longer, and it has been tested in the Premier League 2
- Arsenal have scored 22 goals from corners since last season, and their prowess was evident when they recently defeated Manchester United
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A new rule could award teams more corner kicks, and Arsenal fans have welcomed the development.
The Gunners have used corners well this season, and it has become their new weapon.
This was evident when they beat Manchester United 2-0 on Wednesday, December 4, with all goals coming from corners.
Source: UGC
What is the new corner rule?
Lawmakers are considering a rule change that will award a corner to the opposition if a goalkeeper holds the ball for more than eight seconds.
The proposed change has been tested in Premier League 2 and trialled in Malta and Italy's under-20 league. If it deters goalkeepers from holding the ball for too long, it could be introduced across the top leagues, per The Times.
Referees can award an indirect free-kick if a goalkeeper holds on to the ball for too long. However, this is rarely enforced due to the complicated nature of managing the free-kick, which also creates a golden opportunity to score.
Is the new rule working?
Patrick Nelson, the Irish FA’s chief executive and International Football Association Board (IFAB) board member, suggested that the rule has worked.
“The instances of corners being awarded are almost non-existent, which would indicate to us, certainly looking at the data, that the deterrent is exactly what we would want it to be at this point, and it’s speeding up the goalkeepers letting go of the ball and bringing it back into play.”
Goalkeepers have built habits of holding on to the ball long enough to waste time, especially towards the end of the match. Some have even deliberately taken yellow cards to waste as much time as possible.
If introduced, goalkeepers will want to release the ball as quickly as possible, especially when facing Arsenal, who have proven to be masters of scoring from corners.
The Gunners have scored 22 goals from corners since the start of the 2023/24 season, per BBC.
Fans react to new time-wasting rule
"Gabriel is going to win the Golden Boot."
"No don't do this Arsenal are gonna abuse this."
"Arsenal are about to go unbeaten."
@obai316:
"Arsenal will win the league by September."
@ccc_4our:
"Goalies will not hold on to the ball vs Arsenal then." 😂
Arsenal beat Man United
YEN.com.gh reported that Arsenal secured a victory over Manchester United at the Emirates with two goals from corners.
Jurrien Timber and William Saliba scored in the second half, extending Arsenal's winning streak against their long-time rivals to four games
Source: TUKO.co.ke
