Time-wasting in the Premier League has become one of the most discussed issues this season particularly when Brighton and Hove Albion coach Fabian Hurzeler complained after losing the game 1-0 to Arsenal.
The time-wasting was not enforced and Hurzeler criticized that referees and the league needed to make stricter limits. During the match, he said that they [Arsenal] simply can do whatever they want.
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has come to the defence of his players and has complimented them on their professionalism and their competitive character. Arteta observed that players in the Arsenal are many times criticized by critics due to their high profile performances in the league.
Although time wasting is technically illegal according to the laws of football, it has been a covert aspect of football. It is an effective tool that teams employ to ensure that they maintain a lead or slow down the pace at critical times. The fans are also fond of watching how their team handles time to win the match.
Nevertheless, it is a strategy that may frustrate the opponent and neutral fans in excess. Games become stressful and each time a second passes, the pressure is even greater and it tests concentration.
There is still the debate on whether the referees are supposed to intervene more aggressively. There are those whose view would be to have more strict control which would keep the game flowing and fair and those who see time-wasting is part of the psychological battles in football.
With the Premier League in full swing, the debate of clock management, fair play, and enforcement of the referees has continued to dominate discussions between managers, players as well as fans.
