The kick-off tactic by Arteta’s Arsenal has stirred calls for reform after raising eyebrows at Anfield.
Arsenal kick-off tactic that splits opinion
When Arsenal kicked off at Anfield and immediately lumped the ball out for a Liverpool throw, the home crowd was stunned. But this wasn’t just a one-off. More PL teams are starting to launch the ball into the stands from the opening whistle. They are hoping to trap opponents near their own box.
The idea is simple, give up the ball early, press high, and win it back in dangerous areas. Mikel Arteta’s side tried it in their 1-0 loss. But, critics like Peter Schmeichel called it negative and unworthy of a top side. Newcastle and Crystal Palace have been pulling the same trick all season. Meanwhile, even PSG famously did it in a UCL final against Inter Milan.
What looks like a clever ploy to some feels like a cheap hack to others. Kick-offs are awkward, and instead of carefully building from deep, teams are turning the first move into a hunting trap. One poor touch from a keeper or defender, and the pressing team has an instant shot at goal. Still, some argue that football shouldn’t start with a rugby clearance.
The case for a rule change
Michael Cox of The Athletic has floated an answer, tweak the rule on throw-ins. He suggests that if a team gets a throw deep in their half, they should be allowed to take it up to the edge of the penalty box. That would kill off the incentive to deliberately kick it out from kick-off. It will restore possession football as the opening act. His warning is clear, if this keeps catching on, the game edges closer to rugby than the sport fans know and love.
There’s nothing illegal about the move, but the question is whether it’s good to watch. Arsenal’s gamble backfired against Liverpool. The debate now starts on whether the laws should evolve before the tactic becomes the new normal.
Author’s Opinion:
Arsenal’s kick-off tactic shows how fine the line is between clever strategy and cheap disruption. Unless the rules change, expect more sides to test this trick. But, don’t expect fans to enjoy it.
