The current Premier League season has been notably defined by escalating drama during set-pieces, with constant grappling, pushing, pulling, and wrestling becoming a common sight in penalty boxes, according to BBC Sport. This physical intensity, particularly around corners, has sparked significant debate, culminating in a recent VAR decision that disallowed a crucial West Ham goal against Arsenal.

On Sunday, West Ham’s Callum Wilson appeared to score, only for VAR official Darren England to intervene. The goal was ultimately chalked off due to a foul by Pablo on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. The decision had major repercussions, impacting Arsenal’s title aspirations and West Ham’s fight to remain in the Premier League. Analysis of the incident identified multiple potential infractions in the build-up to the goal, including:

• Tomas Soucek on Kai Havertz (near post)

• Martin Odegaard and Jean-Clair Todibo in mutual holding

• Leandro Trossard on Pablo (grabbing waist)

• Pablo on David Raya (impeding goalkeeper)

• Declan Rice on Konstantinos Mavropanos (arms around waist)

The crucial foul, however, was Pablo’s direct obstruction of Raya, involving his arm across the goalkeeper, holding Raya’s left arm, and pinning down his right arm with Pablo’s left biceps. While Todibo was also seen pulling Raya’s shirt, Pablo’s actions were deemed decisive.

Inconsistency and tactical evolution

Despite the explicit nature of the foul, the West Ham disallowed goal stands as the only one ruled out for grappling or pushing on VAR review this season. This contrasts with the 17 penalties awarded for pulling and holding, five of which came via VAR intervention, and three more spot-kicks that should have been given through missed VAR calls. Everton manager David Moyes voiced a sentiment shared by many, stating, “You get the feeling now that referees really don’t want to get involved in any of it.”

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The tactical landscape of set-pieces has evolved significantly, with early proponents like Tony Pulis and Sam Allardyce laying the groundwork. Sean Dyche is credited with developing the modern blueprint, but Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, under the guidance of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, has truly influenced this season’s approach. Arsenal has scored 21 of their 68 league goals (31%) this season from set-pieces, often utilising in-swingers into a crowded six-yard box to prevent goalkeepers from claiming the ball. This strategy, leveraging the crossing quality of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka and the aerial threat of Gabriel, has been emulated by clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham.

Calls for law changes

The increasing physicality and perceived inconsistency in officiating have led to calls for clearer guidelines or even rule changes. PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) is expected to canvass opinions from stakeholders regarding refereeing issues, including hair pulling and grappling in the box, at the end of the season. One proposed solution is for referees to issue more yellow cards before the ball is even in play.

A more drastic suggestion comes from former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann, who, speaking on Match of the Day, proposed a fundamental alteration to the rules. “I feel that the time has come now for a law change whereby no attackers are allowed in the six-yard box before the corner is taken,” Cann stated. Another idea is to make play ‘live’ as soon as the ball is placed in the quadrant, allowing for penalties or free-kicks for fouls committed before the corner is even taken. As the season progresses, the debate over how to manage the escalating set-piece chaos is set to intensify.

Sources: www.bbc.com, www.bbc.co.uk, www.bbc.co.uk

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