Several Premier League managers are demanding rule changes due to Arsenal's controversial playing style.

Arsenal is nearing its first Premier League championship since 2004. Yet, the manner in which the London team secures advantages during games has provoked significant controversy within the professional community and among supporters.

Accusations concerning time-wasting, the use of "tricks," or intense physical clashes during set-piece situations have made Mikel Arteta's team a highly divisive topic in public discourse.

Initially, debates about Arsenal's playing style only appeared sporadically on social media. However, over time, this discussion has spread to the coaching community within the Premier League. In recent weeks, many managers in the league have publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the North London team's approach. Some have even called for changes to match regulations, which could directly impact the tactical effectiveness Arsenal currently employs.

The person expressing the strongest viewpoint is Fabian Hurzeler, head coach of Brighton & Hove Albion. Following the recent encounter between the two teams in the Premier League, the German strategist made sharp comments about Arsenal's playing style. Hurzeler stated he would never choose a football style similar to what Arteta has built for his team when facing Brighton.

In a notable statement, Hurzeler said: "Only one team truly tried to play football in today's match. I would never become a coach who attempts to win in such a manner."

Not stopping there, the German coach is reported to have loudly confronted Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié during a midweek match pause. According to several sources, Hurzeler shouted: "Play football!", clearly showing his frustration. In response, Hincapié simply raised a finger to his lips in a "silence" gesture, an action that further heightened the tense atmosphere.

Nevertheless, what annoyed Hurzeler most were situations he perceived as Arsenal deliberately wasting time. The former FC St. Pauli coach even called for rule changes regarding time-wasting. He posed a sarcastic question: "I just want to ask one thing – have you ever seen in a Premier League match where the goalkeeper falls on the pitch three times like that?"

Hurzeler is not the only Premier League manager irritated by Arsenal's style. Previously, Manchester United's interim manager Michael Carrick also criticized how teams – including Arsenal – exploit set-piece situations. According to Carrick, players pulling shirts, holding opponents, or excessively contesting within the penalty area have gone beyond acceptable limits.

He shared: "I think things have gone too far. Not long ago, we were informed that players shouldn't touch opponents with their hands in the penalty area and rules would be tightened. But gradually, that has returned. The success from corner kicks and crowding many players into one area is causing more teams to imitate it."

Carrick also acknowledged this is a hard-to-avoid trend in modern football: "I understand why many teams are doing this and trying to exploit it. But as a football match, it feels like we haven't found the right balance. I also don't know how to solve it – that's not my job. At this moment, you have to face what's happening, and if the rules allow it, teams will continue to take advantage."

Meanwhile, Liverpool FC's manager Arne Slot offered a different perspective on English football. The Dutch strategist said he doesn't really enjoy watching Premier League matches because too many situations depend on dead-ball scenarios.

The Dutch manager remarked: "When I watch other leagues, I don't see such heavy emphasis on set-piece situations. One reason is – and sometimes I find it quite interesting to observe – if I watch matches in the Eredivisie, which I still follow regularly, I see many goals disallowed or fouls on the goalkeeper being penalized."

He added with surprise: "I often think 'Oh, the difference is huge.' Here, you can almost heavily collide with the goalkeeper and the referee still says: 'Just keep playing.'"

Thus, controversies surrounding Arsenal's playing style continue to heat up, especially as Arteta's team gets closer to the Premier League title. This raises a big question: will Arsenal's success force rivals to adapt to this style, or conversely, will lawmakers need to intervene to change how English football operates?