Bad news for Arsenal! Major Premier League rule change could spell the end for Mikel Arteta's best weapon as Gunners aim to take down Man City

The Gunners might have to revisit their set-piece strategies following a significant shake-up in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, which appears to target 'holding' tactics - which has largely been developed by set-piece specialist Nicolas Jover. These involve players strategically blocking or obstructing opponents during set-pieces, creating opportunities for attackers to capitalise on the chaos in the box.

According to The Times, the Premier League's latest rule amendments, designed to help video technology operate more smoothly, appear to be clamping down on the kind of 'holding' tactics that have become Arsenal's trademark. The new regulations are set to focus on eliminating blocking and obstructing during set-pieces, or at the very least, refereeing these actions more stringently.

For the 2024-25 season, officials are expected to pay closer attention to sustained and impactful holding, non-footballing impacts on an opponent's movement, and any clear interference with an opponent's ability to play the ball. These changes are likely to put Arsenal's set-piece strategies under the microscope, potentially forcing them to adapt quickly if they want to maintain their edge in this area.

Last season, Jover's influence was evident not only in the team's success but also in the way players like Declan Rice were utilised in new roles, such as putting in the deliveries during dead-ball situations during the Dubai winter camp. His innovative method has led to Arsenal scoring the most set-piece goals excluding penalties (22), the most goals from corners (16), and conceding the second-fewest set-piece goals excluding penalties (six) in the previous season.

As Arsenal aim to go one better than their previous two seasons and finally clinch the Premier League title by beating Manchester City, the pressure is on to adapt their set-piece tactics to the new regulations. With the VAR system set to scrutinise holding and blocking more closely, the Gunners may need to develop a plan B to maintain their effectiveness from set-pieces.