PREMIER LEAGUE VAR AND REFEREE
Mark Clattenburg Reacts to Arsenal Corner Controversy as ex-Man Utd Player Suggests New Tactic
A former Manchester United player has suggested a bold tactic that Premier League managers should consider implementing to combat Arsenal players ‘obstructing’ opposition goalkeepers at corners. Meanwhile, ex-Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has cast his verdict on what should happen next amid the intense online debate.
An image showing United goalkeeper Senne Lammens swarmed by Arsenal players – and, subsequently, his own teammates – while stood on his goal line has gone viral on social media. The incident occurred during the closing stages of Man Utd’s shock 3-2 win over the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Some perturbed football fans have even called for the FA and PGMOL to change the laws of the game to prevent this from becoming an increasingly common occurrence during matches. “They need a corner rule change to protect keepers. What Arsenal are doing is ridiculous,” one fan complained on X (Twitter).
Another messaged the PGMOL directly, commenting: “This certainly needs to be clarified. The defenders are not allowed to push the attackers. Clearly there is a rule for the goalkeeper to jump freely and that does not apply in Arsenal corners.”
‘Embarrassment to This Club’ – Arsenal Fans Turn on Key Player After 3-2 Defeat vs Man Utd
Mark Clattenburg Wants PGMOL and Premier League to Take Actio
Retired ref Clattenburg has told United in Focus that the PMGOL and Premier League must address the issue. He said: “It’s clear that this has become more common when set-piece coaches were employed by clubs to get any advantage possible.
“It’s something the PGMOL and Premier League need to address, and any blocking on the goalkeeper must be punished by a free-kick. Yes, more fouls will be given at first, but when teams realise they will not be allowed to use this tactic, they will stop. We see this tactic used less in the Champions League as referees punish more!”
Former Man Utd Player Offers Solution to Combat Arsenal Tactic
However, former Man Utd defender John O’Kane – who recently made headlines with his eye-opening take on the Brooklyn Beckham saga – believes he may have found the solution, without the PMGOL and Premier League having to intervene. The 51-year-old tweeted:
“It ain’t rocket science. Coaches have to start leaving two or three players on the halfway line. Stoke [a nickname currently being used to describe Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal] have found a loophole in s***housery of obstructing the goalkeeper.”
It would take an extremely brave manager to leave two or three players on the halfway line against the Premier League leaders, who are widely regarded as the world’s best team from set-piece situations right now. The tactic of having fewer defenders inside the box for corners has the potential to backfire if it makes it even easier for Arsenal to score.
PREMIER LEAGUE VAR AND REFEREE
Arne Slot points finger at referee after question on Dominik Szoboszlai red card
Liverpool’s home game with Manchester City descended into chaos with Dominik Szboszlai sent off in stoppage time and Arne Slot has now shared his verdict on the incident
20:51, 08 Fene Slot has given his verdict on Dominik Szoboszlai’s red card(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool boss Arne Slot refused to even talk about Dominik Szoboszlai’s crazy red card against Manchester City – but he did fume over the officials’ failure to spot an infringement on Mohamed Salah by Marc Guehi.
Szoboslai saw red in stoppage time after the Hungarian midfielder pulled Erling Haaland’s shirt as the pair chased after a stray ball as it trickled towards an unguarded net. It eventually dribbled over the line from Rayan Cherki’s long-range shot with Alisson upfield.
But VAR intervened, with the goal being chalked off, while Szoboszlai was given his marching orders. Asked for his take, Slot chose not to discuss the incident and claimed that the incident between Guehi and Salah was more of a talking point.
He said: “That is not the incident we should talk about. Maybe he should have left it for a goal as it is, but if that is the rule that is what we have to accept.
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READ MORE: Erling Haaland strikes at the death as Man City stun Liverpool late on – 5 talking pointsREAD MORE: Erling Haaland gives instant verdict on Dominik Szoboszlai red card vs Man City
“If there is any incident we should talk about, it’s when Mo Salah is one on one with the goalkeeper. Anyone who has been to this stadium in the last seven or eight years, that is a goal for Salah. Once again, the referee decides not in our favour. They have to do their job.”
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PREMIER LEAGUE VAR AND REFEREE
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland (Gyokeres, 66) TWO GOALS IN TWO PREMIER LEAGUE GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR GYOKERES!
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland (Gyokeres, 66)
TWO GOALS IN TWO PREMIER LEAGUE GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR GYOKERES!
It’s Sunderland’s own doing. They are slow and get crowded out on the left hand side. The attempted clearance falls straight to a red shirt and two passes later, the ball is at Gyokeres’ feet.
He’s falling over as he strikes it, but the power beats Roefs and doubles Arsenal’s lead.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland (Gyokeres, 66)
TWO GOALS IN TWO PREMIER LEAGUE GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR GYOKERES!
It’s Sunderland’s own doing. They are slow and get crowded out on the left hand side. The attempted clearance falls straight to a red shirt and two passes later, the ball is at Gyokeres’ feet.
He’s falling over as he strikes it, but the power beats Roefs and doubles Arsenal’s leArsenal vs Sunderland LIVE! Premier League match updates, news, score and highlights
Saturday 7 February 2026 15:44, UK
Second Half: Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
Gyokeres finish gives hosts breathing space View post
Super Zubimendi strike gave Gunners lead View post
Havertz blocked Brobbey strike after error from Raya View post
Teams | Live PL table | Latest: Arsenal | Sunderland
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Live commentary by Callum Bishop and Oliver Yewad.
Here’s a predicted lineup preview and head-to-head context for Arsenal vs Sunderland (Premier League, February 7, 2026), based on the latest team news and expert projections:
Arsenal vs. Sunderland: Preview, Predictions and Lineups
Arsenal XI vs Sunderland: Predicted lineup and confirmed team news
🔴 Arsenal – Predicted XI (likely 4-3-3 or variation)
Formation: 4-3-3 (attack-minded but balanced)
GK: David Raya – in line with most predictions as the starter. �
Opta Analyst
RB: Ben White / Jurrien Timber – Timber available and likely involved. �
The Standard
CBs: William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães – key defensive pairing. �
Opta Analyst
LB: Riccardo Calafiori – expected on the left if fit. �
Opta Analyst
Midfield: Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi, (Eze / Kai Havertz) – core engine-room. �
Opta Analyst
Attack: Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres / Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard – wide support and central striker. �
Opta Analyst +1
⚠️ Injury/doubt notes:
• Bukayo Saka is out or a major doubt (hip). �
• Martin Ødegaard also doubtful. �
• Mikel Merino is ruled out long-term. �
The Sun
The Standard
Reuters
This means Arsenal might rotate slightly from their ideal XI and lean on depth in midfield/wing positions. �
Arsenal News
⚫ Sunderland – Predicted XI (likely 4-2-3-1 / 4-4-2)
Formation: Common projection ~4-2-3-1
GK: Robin Roefs – a consistent selection in predictions. �
Roker Report
Defenders: Nordi Mukiele (RB), Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo Mandava (LB). �
Roker Report
Midfield base: Lutsharel Geertruida, Noah Sadiki (wing/back roles), Trai Hume, Chemsdine Talbi – energetic across midfield/wing. �
Roker Report
Attacking midfield / support: Enzo Le Fée – creative hub behind striker. �
Roker Report
Striker: Brian Brobbey – focal point up top. �
Roker Report
⚠️ Absences:
• Granit Xhaka is unavailable (ankle), a big miss in midfield. �
Reuters
Sunderland’s shape may vary (some outlets predict five at the back), but the core XI revolves around Brobbey and ball-winners behind him. �
Forebet Predictions
📊 Arsenal vs Sunderland – Head-to-Head Context
Historically, Sunderland have not beaten Arsenal in 16 Premier League away games (D5 L11). �
Opta Analyst
Arsenal are unbeaten in 18 top-flight home games against Sunderland (W13 D5). �
Opta Analyst
The reverse fixture this season finished 2-2, showing Sunderland can trouble Arsenal. �
Opta Analyst
⚽ Quick Summary – Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3):
Raya; White/Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze/Havertz; Madueke, Gyökeres/Jesus, Trossard. �
Opta Analyst
Sunderland (4-2-3-1):
Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Geertruida, Sadiki; Hume, Le Fée, Talbi; Brobbey. �
Roker Report
If you want bench predictions and tactical setup breakdowns for each side (e.g., subs + formation tweaks), let me know!
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