Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed concern over a new Premier League rule that prohibits players from using towels to dry the ball during matches. The rule, which was adopted by the Premier League for the upcoming season, has been met with criticism from Arteta, who fears that his team will lose a key attacking tool. Arsenal has relied heavily on long-range shots from players like Ben White and Declan Rice, who often use towels to dry the ball before taking their shots.
The Premier League has also introduced other new rules, including a countdown timer for penalty kicks and free kicks, a time limit for substitutions, and a rule that requires a player to leave the field for one minute if they are treated by a medical staff member. These changes are aimed at improving the game's flow and reducing the number of stoppages.
Arsenal will make their Premier League debut next Friday against Coventry City at home. The team will have to adapt to the new rules quickly, and Arteta will be looking for ways to compensate for the loss of their towel-drying tactic.