Mikel Arteta has taken aim at one of the Premier League's most unusual new rule changes, joking about Arsenal's potential solution after players were banned from using towels to dry the ball before throw-ins. The change could have a direct impact on the Gunners' set-piece routines, particularly after Ben White and Declan Rice frequently benefited from dry balls for their long-throw deliveries last season.
Key Highlights:
- Arteta has criticised the new towel ban, which prevents players from drying the ball before throw-ins.
- The rule is part of a wider Premier League crackdown on time-wasting and tactical delays.
- New measures include countdowns for goal-kicks and throw-ins and stricter rules surrounding substitutions and injuries.
- Arsenal head into the new campaign after a 3-0 Community Shield win over Manchester City, with Coventry next up in the Premier League opener.
Arteta Takes Aim at the Towel Ban
Arteta has made his frustration clear over the Premier League's new directive preventing players from using towels to dry the ball before throw-ins. The Arsenal boss knows the change could affect one of his team's established set-piece routines. Ben White and Declan Rice regularly made use of their long-throw ability last season, making the condition of the ball an important detail when launching deliveries into the final third.
Speaking about the new protocols, Arteta joked about finding alternative ways to keep the ball dry for his specialists. "Not being able to use the towels is already a big one," Arteta said. He then added with a smile: "Let's see what we do. Maybe we will play with hats on!"
Premier League Introduces New Protocols
The towel ban forms part of a broader Premier League effort to tackle time-wasting and increase effective playing time. Previously, towel use was something of a grey area, with both teams needing to agree before kick-off. The issue came into focus last season when Riccardo Calafiori attempted to use a towel near the Newcastle United goal, only for referee Jarred Gillett to remove it because both sides had not agreed to its use.
Under the new regulations, players will no longer be able to carefully wipe the ball before launching long throws into the penalty area, removing one small but potentially significant advantage from these set-piece situations.
Crackdown on Tactical Delays
The changes go well beyond towels. The Premier League is introducing countdowns for goal-kicks and throw-ins, alongside more strictly monitored substitution windows, as part of its push for faster and more fluid matches.
Injury procedures are also being tightened. Outfield players who receive treatment must now remain off the pitch for at least one minute before returning. If a goalkeeper receives medical attention, an outfield player from the same team must also leave the pitch for one minute.
Arsenal have previously faced accusations of gamesmanship, with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler criticising David Raya after the goalkeeper received treatment on three separate occasions during Arsenal's narrow 1-0 victory.
Arteta Ready to Adapt
Despite his towel joke, Arteta appears prepared to embrace the wider changes. Arsenal have already worked with the Premier League and referees to understand the new protocols and how they will affect matches. The manager admitted that the real test will come once competitive football begins and teams discover which adjustments are most necessary.
Arteta also expects the new focus on restarts, countdowns and playing time to create a different rhythm and momentum during matches. Ultimately, he believes the rules are designed to promote more game time and greater fluidity.
Arsenal Carry Community Shield Momentum
The Gunners enter the new Premier League campaign with plenty of confidence after making a statement at Wembley. Arsenal secured their first silverware of the season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester City, recording the biggest winning margin in a Community Shield final since 2014.
Now, Arteta's side will look to carry that momentum straight into the Premier League when they face Coventry in Friday's curtain-raiser.
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