Chelsea manager calls for Premier League refereeing change as game gets ugly | OneFootball

Liam Rosenior has given his thoughts on the Premier League’s lurch towards set pieces in the last couple of years.

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We’re not sure anyone saw this one coming, but the theme of this season in the Premier League has been… set pieces.

In a real return to the old school “proper football” days, the top sides have put a huge emphasis on long throws, corners and wide free kicks, and it’s paid off. Arsenal are the best at them, and they’ve top of the league.

The game between the Gunners and Chelsea (another side trying to make the most of those situations) on Sunday ended with all three goals from corners. A video on social media doing the rounds right now shows a game between Liverpool and Man City from a few years ago edited down to just the corners, which almost looks like a different sport.

Liam Rosenior asks for more protection for goalkeepers

Robert Sanchez in action against Bournemouth. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

This new “meta” isn’t much fun to watch, and Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior was asked about his thoughts on this new direction the sport is taking in his press conference previewing the game against Aston Villa tomorrow night:

“What I would say is about corners, I do think there needs to be a review at the end of the season in terms of the way teams are affecting the goalkeepers, the way teams are holding on defensive set plays,” the Chelsea boss said.

Because I think that is something that gives an unfair advantage to certain teams.”

We’re not sure which teams that gives an advantage to – all we know is that it’s affecting the entertainment value of the league right now.

Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here: