‘Absolute nonsense’ – Gary Neville left furious at one moment between Liverpool and Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
Milos Kerkez
Milos Kerkez
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New regulations introduced at the start of the season are designed to reduce deliberate time-wasting during matches. Officials now have clearer instructions on how to handle players who go to ground and then appear ready to continue almost immediately. Those changes can create unexpected situations when a player is genuinely involved in a challenge rather than attempting to break the rhythm of the game.
Arsenal secured a 1-0 win at Anfield on Sunday through Kai Havertz’s first-half goal. The result ended a long wait for a Premier League victory at the ground and moved the team three points clear at the top of the table. Several moments during the contest drew attention from those watching, including one that prompted a strong reaction from the commentary team.
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While Liverpool and Arsenal played out a frantic game at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, Gary Neville was left furious with an incident that occurred midway through the second half involving Milos Kerkez. The Gunners secured their first victory at the famous Merseyside ground in 14 years, courtesy of a 16th-minute tap-in from Kai Havertz, created by Declan Rice.
Around the hour mark, with the game poised at 1-0 to Arsenal, Kerkez was involved in an aerial duel with Havertz at the back post inside Liverpool’s box. The Hungarian went down clutching his head, and referee Andy Madley subsequently stopped play.
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As is part of the new regulations introduced at the beginning of the season to limit time-wasting, Kerkez was instructed to leave the field of play after he rose from the ground. The Reds full-back wasn’t allowed back on the pitch until he’d been off for a full minute.
Neville was certainly outspoken with his take on this new regulation. Speaking on Sky Sports’ broadcast as Kerkez waited for approval to re-enter, the former Manchester United defender described the rule as ‘absolute nonsense’. “Absolute nonsense. This will cost a team a big game soon. I understand it when it’s a team trying to waste time, but why on earth would a Liverpool player want to waste time now? It’s an absolute joke.”
The idea behind the regulation is to prevent players from faking injury in order to get play stopped and subsequently derail the opposition. Neville went on to explain his belief that not being permitted to come back on for a full minute gives the team with the extra man too great an advantage. Arsenal ultimately weren’t able to fashion a clear-cut chance in the time Kerkez wasn’t on the pitch, but Liverpool certainly looked vulnerable during these 60 seconds.
The incident added to a list of contentious moments that kept the atmosphere tense at Anfield. Arsenal held on for the three points despite Liverpool’s pressure and the temporary numerical disadvantage for the home side. The new rule will continue to be applied across the Premier League as officials seek to manage the flow of matches more effectively.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal huddle
Arsenal huddle