Bad news for Arsenal as PGMOL clamp down on Arteta’s set-piece weapon

Mikel Arteta would have to go back to the drawing board because of a VAR change that appeared to target one of Arsenal's most effective strategies.

 Over the past two seasons, Arsenal have developed tactics called ‘holding’, that would obstruct the goalkeeper during set pieces.

The tactic, which frequently entails stopping or preventing the opponent goalkeeper from approaching the set pieces, has helped the team advance quickly to the title race.

PGMOL have set new rules, which could have an effect on Arsenal’s set pieces tactics in the new season.

According to Footy Accumulators on X, “PGMOL have confirmed the offence of holding (ie blocking or obstructing) will be penalised more stringently in set pieces when an attacker is trying to stop the movement of an opponent.”

Nicolas Jover, the creator behind the set pieces, has effectively instructed the Gunners on set piece secrets.

Arsenal scored the highest number of goals via corners (16), the greatest number of set-piece goals (22), and the second-fewest set-piece goals (six) last season.

This strategy leaves defenders stranded and attackers primed to nod the ball in, cunning players frequently back into opposing goalkeepers and use NFL-style blocking.

The most recent rule change, intended to make video technology function more smoothly, appears to be banning blocking and obstructing at set-pieces, or at the very least, refereeing it more strictly.

Officials will be closely monitoring prolonged and forceful holding, clear non-footballing effects on an opponent's mobility, and any evident influence on an opponent's ball-playing abilities throughout the 2024–25 season.

All of this suggests that Arsenal will need to come up with a backup plan quickly if they want to surpass their past two seasons and win the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are still in the transfer market for a midfielder and a forward as they push to win the Premier League title.