Concerns Over Time-Wasting Highlighted by Arsenal Manager

Arsenal recorded six shots on target in their goalless draw against Manchester United, a match that saw United reduced to ten players for nearly 30 minutes at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Arsenal manager Renee Slegers has raised concerns regarding time-wasting by goalkeepers in the Women’s Super League, suggesting it undermines the overall attractiveness of the game. Following the sending-off of United full-back Jayde Riviere, goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce went down, requesting medical assistance, which provided her teammates the opportunity to converse with coaches on the sidelines for several minutes.

Arsenal supporters reacted with cheers when Tullis-Joyce was subsequently booked for what they perceived as time-wasting. United manager Marc Skinner acknowledged that Tullis-Joyce had a legitimate issue that required medical attention but also recognized the potential for a cynical interpretation of the situation.

When questioned about the possibility of introducing regulations to mitigate time-wasting, Skinner responded, “I think the referees have tried to implement measures. If one of our outfield players is injured due to an accidental challenge, they must leave the field for 30 seconds, which can result in a loss of tactical advantage. Therefore, it is a complex issue. However, I would be open to exploring solutions as we frequently encounter this challenge.”

Despite dominating significant portions of the match, Arsenal struggled with their finishing, leading to a frustrating encounter. Slegers noted that the interruptions affected her team’s rhythm and diminished the game’s visual appeal. “When considering the broader picture, many fans invest their time and resources to watch us, whether in the stadium or on television,” Slegers stated. “The product must remain appealing, and time-wasting is an area that detracts from the excitement of the match.”

While Slegers has not yet devised a definitive solution, she is hopeful that others are contemplating potential measures. One proposed idea is to limit the ability of players to huddle around coaches for tactical discussions, allowing only team captains to approach the sidelines. Slegers acknowledged this suggestion, stating, “That could be one example. However, the stakes are high, prompting teams, players, and coaches to seek ways to gain an advantage. Ultimately, it is crucial to maintain the attractiveness of the game.”

Additionally, Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie return for another season of the Women’s Football Weekly podcast, with new episodes available every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, along with interviews and additional content from the Women’s Super League and beyond.