Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has criticized Arsenal’s behavior at set pieces, particularly singling out defender Ben White for his actions in obstructing goalkeepers. The incident in question occurred during the North London derby, where White was seen attempting to undo Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s gloves during a corner kick. Souness believes this type of behavior is cheating, as it falls under the category of obstruction according to the FA rule book. He expressed his disappointment in Arsenal and called for referees to take action against such tactics.
White’s actions have not gone unnoticed, with Souness pointing out that this is not an isolated incident, but rather a deliberate strategy employed by Arsenal, particularly under the coaching of Nicolas Jover. The Gunners have been successful in scoring goals from set pieces, with 16 Premier League goals attributed to this tactic. Souness believes that the use of blocking techniques by players at set pieces is becoming more prevalent and challenging for referees to identify. He called out Arsenal for their repeated offenses, especially by White, and called for more accountability from match officials, including VAR.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou downplayed White’s antics, stating that it is a strategy that some teams use to gain an advantage. However, he made it clear that he would not encourage his players to engage in similar behavior. Postecoglou emphasized the importance of focusing on playing football and not being distracted by off-the-ball incidents. He believed that such tactics should not be a part of the game and suggested that referees should intervene to maintain fair play.
Souness was critical of Arsenal’s set-piece tactics, calling out White and the coaching staff for their role in obstructing goalkeepers. He highlighted the importance of adhering to the rules of the game and expressed his concern that such behavior could go unpunished if not addressed. With the use of VAR technology, Souness questioned why Arsenal’s actions have not been penalized and suggested that there should be more oversight to prevent teams from gaining an unfair advantage through illegal means.
The debate over Arsenal’s behavior at set pieces continues to be a topic of discussion, with some defending the team’s tactics as part of the game’s strategy, while others view it as cheating. The controversy surrounding White’s actions and their impact on the game has sparked calls for stricter enforcement of the rules and greater accountability for players and teams. As the Premier League season progresses, it remains to be seen how match officials will respond to such incidents and whether Arsenal will face any repercussions for their actions. The discussion around fair play and sportsmanship in football continues to be a key issue for fans, players, and officials alike.
