Mark Clattenburg doesn’t know the answer to Premier League referee issue that is frustrating fans

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Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has revealed to TBR Football that he is unsure exactly what rule changes could be made surrounding set-pieces.

It comes as goals from corners, free-kicks, and throw-ins have seemingly increased after just nine games this season.

Plenty of debate has raged on surrounding them this season, with Arsenal’s set-piece reliance a particular talking point.

Some fans have suggested rule changes that could help curb the number of goals from set-pieces, potentially creating some more fluid open play opportunities.

It could be tough for Premier League referees to be given that power, however, as explained by Mark Clattenburg.

Mark Clattenburg makes admission on Premier League set-piece rule changes

With set-pieces being so dominant again, those fine margins appear to be deciding games in the Premier League.

Some have suggested rule changes for referees that could deny those opportunities from being so strong.

However, for Clattenburg, it’s unclear exactly what changes could be made to the rules.

He exclusively said to TBR Football: “Set pieces were dominant many years ago and this only changed when Pep Guardiola changed the football philosophy to possession-based football. Now you’re seeing more set piece coaches being employed to gain that extra edge.

“It’s difficult with the laws of the game as you have to have throw ins and corner kicks so the only thing teams can do is work on a way to defend these set plays. I am not sure what can be changed to make things better for fans’ frustrations.”

It may be something that has more light shed on it over the next season or so, once the PGMOL decides on any rule changes that are required.

It remains to be seen whether set-pieces will be an area of focus, or whether the same rules will be applied and it’s down to the teams to get better at nullifying threats from those opportunities.

Set-pieces statistics prove importance in Premier League

While it’s only nine games into the season, there is a clear trend towards teams maximising set-piece opportunities.

Be it the focus on corners or the re-introduction of long throws into the mainstream, there has been greater attention paid to those opportunities.

As per BBC Sport, 18.7% of goals have come from corners this season, which is more than any other season, though the sample size is far smaller.

It’s roughly a 6% increase on the previous campaign, but that could all change as the season goes on.

Perhaps the greater issue are teams sitting in mid-to-low blocks, meaning that set-pieces are required in games with very few opportunities.