Former Referee Demands Premier League Action on Goalkeeper Obstruction
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has called for immediate rule enforcement changes following Arsenal's recent match against Manchester United. The ex-official insists that the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) must take a tougher stance against teams who swarm goalkeepers during corner situations.
Arsenal's Set-Piece Prowess Under Scrutiny
Despite suffering a 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford, Arsenal demonstrated their renowned set-piece capabilities with a late goal from Mikel Merino. The Spanish midfielder scored in the 84th minute after a corner that saw Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens completely overwhelmed by attacking players.
Clattenburg believes this tactic has become increasingly common since clubs began employing specialised set-piece coaches to gain marginal advantages. "It's clear that this has become more common when set-piece coaches were employed by clubs to get any advantage possible," the former referee stated.
Calls for Stricter Enforcement
The retired official, who also served as a referee on television's Gladiators, argues that awarding more free kicks would quickly discourage teams from using such tactics. "Any blocking on the goalkeeper must be punished by a free-kick," Clattenburg emphasized.
He further suggested that Premier League officiating should align more closely with European competition standards. "We see this tactic used less in the Champions League as referees punish more!" Clattenburg noted, suggesting that stricter enforcement would naturally lead to teams abandoning the approach.
Mixed Reactions Across Football Community
Not everyone within football circles agrees that goalkeepers require additional protection. Former Manchester United and Everton defender John O'Kane offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting defensive teams need to adapt their strategies.
"It ain't rocket science," O'Kane remarked. "Coaches have to start leaving two or three players on the halfway line. Stoke [a nickname being used to describe Arsenal] have found a loophole in s***housery of obstructing the goalkeeper."
Post-Match Reactions and Statistics
Manchester United players appeared unfazed by the controversy following their victory, with winger Amad even making light of Arsenal's set-piece reputation. Responding to a supporter's comment, the Ivory Coast international quipped: "Your only hope is corner."
The statistics underscore Arsenal's effectiveness from dead-ball situations this campaign, with the North London club having netted 26 goals from set pieces. Manager Mikel Arteta accepted full responsibility for the defeat while defending his team's overall approach.
"I take full responsibility [today], they have to take full responsibility for what they've done for seven months, in the manner that they behaved, how much they want it," Arteta stated. "And now, in the process of winning, you have to lose or draw. It's how you react to that."
The Arsenal manager emphasized the importance of maintaining positive energy ahead of their upcoming Champions League fixture, suggesting that better performances would naturally follow with the right mindset around the club.
