Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta finds himself at the center of controversy once again following his complaints about time-wasting during the Gunners’ 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on 7 January.
While Arteta expressed visible frustration on the sidelines, pointing to his watch and voicing concerns about delays, the irony of his grievances has not gone unnoticed, given Arsenal’s own reputation for time-wasting this season.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett weighed in on the situation, calling out Arteta for hypocrisy. Hackett, speaking about the incident, emphasized that Arsenal currently leads the Premier League in yellow cards issued for time-wasting, with nine bookings—two more than their nearest competitor, Bournemouth. This statistic underscores the irony of Arteta’s complaints and has fueled a broader discussion about time management in football.
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Arsenal’s Time-Wasting Track Record
Time-wasting has been a frequent critique of Arteta’s Arsenal side throughout the season. Despite their attacking prowess and dominance in possession, Arsenal has repeatedly been called out for tactical delays, which have frustrated opposition teams and fans alike. The issue came to the forefront earlier in the season when similar accusations were leveled against the Gunners by rival managers.
Arteta’s irritation during the Newcastle clash highlights the challenges teams face when such tactics are turned against them. With 23 shots during the game but no goals to show for it, Arsenal’s frustrations were evident, but Hackett’s remarks served as a reminder that the issue is not unique to their opponents.
Hackett Calls for Rule Changes
Hackett, an advocate for reforming timekeeping in football, highlighted the broader problem with time management in the sport. He reiterated the need for an independent timekeeper and a visual stop clock in stadiums—proposals he has championed alongside former Arsenal director David Dein.
“For many years, I have joined forces with former Arsenal director David Dein calling for an independent timekeeper, including a visual stop clock inside the stadium for fans to be able to see,” Hackett stated. “This would, of course, require a change to the Laws of the Game.”
Hackett pointed out that the current system, where referees act as timekeepers, often leads to inconsistencies. He cited examples such as goalkeepers holding the ball for far longer than the allowed six seconds, delayed free kicks, and prolonged injury breaks that disrupt the flow of the game.
A Persistent Problem
Hackett also highlighted the recent attempts by the PGMOL to address these issues, such as the introduction of extended added time at the start of the season, which saw matches average over 14 minutes of stoppage time. However, he criticized the lack of consistency, describing these efforts as “six-week clampdowns that fizzle out and are not sustained.”
The former referee further noted that delayed set pieces, unpunished holding during corner kicks, and tactical injury delays all contribute to the problem. “Football needs to get its act together and stop this nonsense and, like other sports, employ an independent timekeeper,” Hackett asserted.
Arteta Under the Spotlight
Arteta’s frustrations during the Newcastle game weren’t limited to time-wasting. The Arsenal boss also took issue with the quality of the match balls used during the game, further highlighting his dissatisfaction. While his passion and intensity on the sidelines are well-documented, his complaints have drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike, some of whom labeled his behavior as “embarrassing.”
Despite the criticism, Arteta’s focus must now shift to overturning the two-goal deficit when Arsenal face Newcastle in the second leg on 5 February. With their attacking efficiency under scrutiny and time-wasting accusations looming over them, the Gunners will need to find a way to rise above these challenges.
Broader Implications for the Game
The debate surrounding time-wasting extends beyond Arsenal. It reflects a systemic issue in football that continues to frustrate fans, players, and managers alike. Hackett’s call for reforms, including stricter enforcement of existing rules and the introduction of independent timekeepers, could pave the way for more consistent and transparent time management in the sport.
As the Premier League season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Arteta’s Arsenal can shake off their reputation for time-wasting and prove their mettle on the pitch. The upcoming second-leg clash against Newcastle will undoubtedly be a key test of their resolve and tactical discipline.
For now, however, Arteta and his team remain in the spotlight—not only for their performances but also for the ongoing debate about time-wasting in football.
