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Mark Clattenburg Calls for Premier League Rule Changes to Curb Arsenal’s Controversial Corner Tactics

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Arsenal have been particularly dominant in this area, netting 26 goals from dead-ball situations this season, making them one of the most efficient teams in the league from corners and free kicks.

 

Mark Clattenburg Calls for Premier League Rule Changes to Curb Arsenal’s Controversial Corner Tactics

 

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has urged the Premier League and PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) to introduce stricter rules on players swarming goalkeepers during corners.

 

His comments follow a late goal by Arsenal against Manchester United, where the Gunners’ set-piece prowess once again sparked debate.

 

 

Arsenal’s Set-Piece Mastery Highlights Ongoing Concerns

In a thrilling Premier League clash, Arsenal suffered a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United despite showcasing their renowned set-piece expertise.

 

Substitute Mikel Merino scored in the 84th minute from a corner, equalizing the score at 2-2. The goal came after Arsenal players crowded United’s goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, preventing him from claiming the ball effectively. Merino capitalized on the chaos to prod home the rebound.

 

This incident reignited discussions about tactics that involve obstructing or blocking goalkeepers at set pieces.

 

 

Arsenal have been particularly dominant in this area, netting 26 goals from dead-ball situations this season, making them one of the most efficient teams in the league from corners and free kicks.

 

Also Read: Gary Lineker Drops Julian Alvarez Arsenal Transfer Bombshell After Man Utd Defeat

 

Clattenburg Demands Tougher Enforcement and Rule Changes

Mark Clattenburg Calls for Premier League Rule Changes to Curb Arsenal’s Controversial Corner Tactics

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg. (Photo by Nigel French/PA Images via Getty Images)

Mark Clattenburg, a retired referee known for his no-nonsense approach, believes officials must act decisively. He argues that any deliberate blocking of the goalkeeper should result in an immediate free kick.

 

 

“It’s something the PGMOL and Premier League need to address, and any blocking on the goalkeeper must be punished by a free-kick,” Clattenburg told United In Focus.

“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!”

 

Clattenburg emphasized that harsher enforcement would align the Premier League with standards in European competitions like the Champions League, where such tactics are less common due to stricter officiating. He attributes the rise in these strategies to clubs hiring specialist set-piece coaches seeking every possible advantage

Counterarguments: Defenders Should Adapt, Not Complain

Not all experts agree that goalkeepers require additional protection. Former Manchester United and Everton defender John O’Shea (often nicknamed in discussions as part of defensive critiques) suggested teams need to be more proactive.

 

“It ain’t rocket science,” O’Shea said. “Coaches have to start leaving two or three players on the halfway line. Stoke [a playful nickname for Arsenal] have found a loophole in s***housery of obstructing the goalkeeper.”

 

This view highlights a divide: some see Arsenal’s approach as clever innovation, while others view it as exploiting gray areas in the rules.

 

United Players React with Confidence After Dramatic Win

Despite Arsenal’s equalizer, Manchester United secured victory with a late goal. United’s players appeared unfazed by the Gunners’ set-piece threat. Winger Amad Diallo even mocked Arsenal’s reliance on corners in a social media exchange with a fan, posting:

 

 

“Your only hope is corner 😂 Be humble KID 🤫”

 

The taunt underscored United’s confidence after overcoming Arsenal’s set-piece dominance.

 

Mikel Arteta Takes Responsibility Amid Title Challenge

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta accepted full blame for the defeat but urged his team to respond positively.

 

“I take full responsibility [today],” Arteta said. “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. And now, in the process of winning, you have to lose or draw. It’s how you react to that.”

 

Arteta highlighted the upcoming Champions League match as an opportunity to regroup, stressing the importance of positive energy from staff, players, and supporters to maintain their title push.

 

Mark Clattenburg Calls for Premier League Rule Changes to Curb Arsenal’s Controversial Corner Tactics

Arsenal’s Set-Piece Mastery Highlights Ongoing Concerns. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images)

As set-piece debates continue, the Premier League faces pressure to clarify rules around goalkeeper obstruction. Will Clattenburg’s call for change lead to stricter enforcement, or will clubs like Arsenal continue to exploit these tactics? The discussion is far from over.

 

Also Read: Arsenal Could Sack Mikel Arteta if They Fail to Win Trophy as Shock Claim Emerge

 

Mark Clattenburg Calls for Premier League Rule Changes to Curb Arsenal’s Controversial Corner Tactics

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Here’s a summary of the remaining Premier League fixtures in the 2025/26 season after Round 25 (i.e., after Arsenal’s Game-week 25 match on 7 Feb 2026) for Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Manchester United — based on the published full 2025/26 fixture lists

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🔴 Arsenal – Remaining Fixtures After GW25

(Arsenal vs Sunderland was GW25 on 7 Feb 2026) �

Sky Sports

GW26 – 11 Feb: Brentford (A)

GW27 – 21 Feb: Tottenham Hotspur (A)

GW28 – 28 Feb: Chelsea (H)

GW29 – 4 Mar: Brighton & Hove Albion (A)

GW30 – 14 Mar: Everton (H)

GW31 – 21 Mar: Wolves (A)

GW32 – 11 Apr: Bournemouth (H)

GW33 – 18 Apr: Manchester City (A)

GW34 – 25 Apr: Newcastle United (H)

GW35 – 2 May: Fulham (H)

GW36 – 9 May: West Ham United (A)

GW37 – 17 May: Burnley (H)

GW38 – 24 May: Crystal Palace (A) �

Sky Sports

Key fixture: Arsenal travel to Manchester City on 18 April. �

Sky Sports

🔵 Manchester City – Remaining Fixtures After (Approx) GW25

Exact GW numbers vary, but here’s City’s end-of-season run based on published schedules: �

Yahoo Sports

Chelsea (A)

Arsenal (H) – likely around April 18

Burnley (A)

Everton (A)

Brentford (H)

Bournemouth (A)

Aston Villa (H) – Final day �

Yahoo Sports

(City’s fixture list above comes from a published breakdown of their final seven matches.) �

Yahoo Sports

🟡 Aston Villa – Remaining Fixtures After GW25

Villa’s specific fixtures aren’t fully in the Sky Sports archive, but using the general full season list and Arsenal’s schedule, Villa will have the following key matches after Round 25: �

Sky Sports

Villa vs Nottingham Forest / Forest vs Villa (January–February, potentially before or around GW25 depending on reschedule)

Villa will play Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion, and other mid-table teams in the run-in (exact dates depend on broadcasting schedule).

Manchester City vs Aston Villa on final matchday (from City’s schedule). �

Yahoo Sports

⚠️ Aston Villa’s exact full post-GW25 match list isn’t available from the main fixture sources we have, but the end-of-season includes the match vs Man City on the last weekend. �

Yahoo Sports

🔴 Manchester United – Remaining Fixtures After GW25

The complete United fixture list after round 25 isn’t in the main Arsenal-focused publications, but based on typical full-season breakdowns and the Sky Sports/ESPN calendars: �

Sky Sports

United’s remaining games after late January/early February include:

Home/away matches vs Leicester, Brighton, Wolves, or mid-table teams

Late-season matches vs Everton, Fulham, and Sheffield (as scheduled)

Their final fixture of the season is typically around 24 May (e.g., Brighton vs Man Utd in the published Sky Sports schedule). �

Sky Sports

⚠️ Exact Gameweek assignments depend on TV broadcast selections and rescheduling.

📊 Comparison of Key Remaining Games

Notable Post-GW25 Matchups

Team

Arsenal

Brentford, Spurs, Chelsea, Man City (A), Newcastle, West Ham

Man City

Arsenal (H), Brentford, Burnley, Everton, Bournemouth, Villa (final)

Aston Villa

Man City (likely final day) + assorted mid-table opponents

Man United

Mixed fixtures vs mid-table clubs + matches against top-6 sides (from full list)

If you want, I can also list exact dates and Gameweek numbers for Villa and Man United’s remaining fixtures once the official Premier League fixture list is published with TV selections.

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Bayern Munich keen on signing Arsenal star who has been ‘massive’ for Mikel Arteta of late Transfers

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Bayern Munich keen on signing Arsenal star who has been ‘massive’ for Mikel Arteta of late

Scarlet VazScarlet Vaz8 February 2026

German giants Bayern Munich are looking to make moves in the upcoming transfer window. They are keeping a close eye on Arsenal’s Kai Havertz.

 

Kai Havertz has lost his place in Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven and has been replaced by Viktor Gyokeres. Looking at these dynamics, Bayern Munich is heading to take advantage of this situation.

 

 

Havertz’s reduced game-time and a shift to the midfield rather than his natural striker position give the German club a brilliant chance to make a bid for him.

 

According to Fichajes, Bayern are looking to sign the 26-year-old, believing he will bring versatility and serve as a cover for Harry Kane.

 

Arsenal have seen how well Havertz has grown into Mikel Arteta’s team, and the fans love him; however, the huge sum they could receive for the striker may be tempting for the Gunners.

 

Kai Havertz is ready to leave the Emirates

Arsenal are having an exceptional season, topping the Premier League table as well as the UEFA Champions League table. Additionally, they made it to the Carabao Cup final after an ecstatic 4-2 aggregate win against Chelsea, with the goal in the second leg scored by Havertz itself.

 

The 26-year-old striker, who some feel has had a ‘massive‘ impact for Arteta since his return from injury came to the Emirates in 2023 from Chelsea. He was a key player for the Blues and became Arsenal’s first-choice striker immediately after his transfer, replacing Gabriel Jesus.

 

With Havertz’s present contract set to end in 2028, a move to Bayern for a regular starting position seems suitable. The Bavarian squad is reportedly preparing a significant cash offer to persuade Arsenal to part ways. However, Arsenal’s take on this deal remains unclear.

 

Read More: “I love his…” Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘confident’ Arsenal star in post-Sunderland press conference

 

Viktor Gyokeres‘ form has been incredible in recent weeks. He has made crucial contributions to the team and has scored 4 goals in their last 5 games in all competitions.

 

Although it took him some time to find his place in the team, his improvement has been clearly visible. The fans believe they could see a lot more from him in the season ahead and in the years to come.

 

The Gunners face Brentford at home in a league game, and it seems like a brilliant opportunity for the Swedish forward to increase his goal tally.

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“He Always Scores Goals Anytime He’s on the Pitch, I Love Playing With Him” — Viktor Gyökeres Names ONE Arsenal Player He Loves Playing With

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Viktor Gyökeres has singled out one Arsenal player he absolutely loves sharing the pitch with, and it’s no surprise given the impact the Gunners star has whenever he plays.

Speaking in a recent interview, the prolific striker couldn’t hide his admiration, describing the Arsenal man as someone who “always scores goals anytime he’s on the pitch.” Gyökeres added that playing alongside him makes football easier, more fluid, and far more dangerous for opposition defenses.

A Deadly Connection on the Pitch

Gyökeres praised the player’s movement, intelligence, and instinct inside the box, highlighting how their chemistry naturally creates chances.

“Anytime he’s on the pitch, you know something will happen. He always finds a way to score, and I really enjoy playing with him,” Gyökeres said.

The Arsenal star’s ability to arrive at the right place at the right time has clearly left a strong impression, with Gyökeres emphasizing how confident he feels when linking up with him during attacking phases.

Arsenal Fans Will Love This

For Arsenal supporters, Gyökeres’ comments will only fuel excitement, especially amid ongoing discussions about attacking partnerships and future squad evolution. The striker’s words underline the quality already present at the Emirates and the kind of chemistry that can elevate Arsenal to the next level.

A Compliment That Speaks Volumes

Gyökeres is known for his high standards and relentless style of play, so such praise carries real weight. When a striker of his caliber openly admits he loves playing with a teammate because of their goal-scoring consistency, it says everything about that player’s influence.

With Arsenal continuing to push on multiple fronts, partnerships like this could prove decisive as the season progresses.

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