FANS spotted Arsenal’s sneaky new tactic in their Premier League clash against Manchester United.
The two giants collided at Old Trafford on Sunday with plenty of new signings on show.
But there was also a fresh rule implemented in the game which had a major effect on Mikel Arteta’s game plan.
Under new legislation, goalkeepers are now required to release the ball after eight seconds or less.
Should a stopper hang on to it for longer, the opposing team is awarded a corner.
And set-piece king Arteta showed he was ready to immediately manipulate the rule with a cheeky new tactic.
In a bid to delay United from taking goal-kicks, Arsenal players took it in turns to block goalie Altay Bayindir whenever he had the ball.
Their hope was to force the Turk to hold on to it, thereby passing the magic eight seconds to hand them a corner.
Arsenal have scored 31 Prem goals from corners since the start of the 2023/24 season – 11 more than next nearest side Liverpool.
And Arteta clearly saw it as a worthwhile effort to get an extra one or two of the set-pieces.
Unfortunately for the Gunners, referee Simon Hooper was smart to their game plan.
And he made sure players stood away from Bayindir before starting the countdown on his watch.
Fans were certainly left amused by Arsenal’s behaviour.
One said: “The lengths being made for those marginal gains.”
Another declared: “Another year, Arsenal going to foul keepers and defenders on corners then.”
One noted: “Typical.”
Another added: “Trying to slow our goalie down for another corner.”
Zuwabesz
1
Masters of DARK Arts
fakdilnuyz
0
We've lost a game that we should've won. We were a better side than Arsenal on for poor decision making from Bayindir, Dorgu & other players. Suppose we've a player to defend set pieces where Calafiori scored the goal but but they all failed to be in a right position at the right time.But judging from United's performance I'd say they're far better than last season [ko]
how will you win if you can't even score a single goal
wimlmpru
0
arsenal team is like hyena. very annoying.
hisiklopsy
2
winer's celebrate losers explain
fekbckmrsy
0
aunty arsenal is All football
cicalotz
2
We've lost a game that we should've won. We were a better side than Arsenal on for poor decision making from Bayindir, Dorgu & other players. Suppose we've a player to defend set pieces where Calafiori scored the goal but but they all failed to be in a right position at the right time.But judging from United's performance I'd say they're far better than last season [ko]
ColinsGooner
3
they were just stopping the keeper from starting a counter attack simple as that
Litelntz
1
the rule states the countdown starts when the keeper is unimpeded
Sakdenyz
5
playing good game it's a victory for Manchester united
cimdlrtyz
1
the rule should also include that PLAYERS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BLOCK THE GOALKEEPER AS KEEPERS CANNOT WASTE TIME ANYMORE
ziaadersu
2
just
Zere8
3
dark art fc
Wuwbcinpz
4
Arsenal always create,not following others,that's it.
BrintonC
6
I enjoyed United's energy tonight. They were much more confidant and I think they are going to have a seriously better season. GGMU
Hiaeinoruz
1
your petty type is a serious problem to today's football, u either a bias commentator or a hypocrite
Loyaeiktz
1
what a game from united
Tazacdlu
0
Excuse, upon Excuse.
Klassik102
0
We haven’t yet started… it’s call The gun for a reason!!!!
Davichi
3
Ya Hopper was smart in that occasion but they keep allowing Arsenal players to prevent goal keepers from clearing the ball during corner kicks. I expected United players to do the same to them since referees are letting such a bad trick stand.