Mikel Arteta hinted that Arsenal may have to adapt their set-piece routines after an influx of new rules ahead of the upcoming season.
The 2026-27 campaign will feature an unprecedented number of new laws, mostly designed to make the game flow quicker.
These changes will be deployed right through English football this weekend, including Arsenal’s Community Shield match against Manchester City on Sunday.
The laws include countdowns for goal-kicks and throw-ins, time-limited substitutions and a crackdown on holding during set-pieces.
The Gunners have courted attention previously for their physical set-plays and it remains to be seen how they will adapt to stay within the rules.
On the changes, Arteta said: ‘We have had the Premier League and the referees there with us to explain and go through everything.
Mikel Arteta has hinted Arsenal may have to adapt their approach to set pieces with new rules having been introduced ahead of the new season
Arteta’s side attracted attention for their physical set-plays and it remains to be seen how they will adapt to stay within the rules
‘In pre-season we had the opportunity to see and experience some of them. We will have to see when the season starts and how this unfolds and what is more doable and what is less doable and what we need to adapt.
‘There are a few (which will have a big impact). Not being able to use the towels is already a big one in the Premier League. Let’s see what we do. Maybe we will play with hats on!
‘Something else will come up for sure. We know that everybody is paying so much to the details, all the restarts and the countdowns, that will bring someone else, a different dynamic, different momentum.
‘So I am very curious to see. They are really good rules because what we are doing is trying to promote more game time and the fluidity of the games which is better and hopefully that will work.’
Meanwhile, Arteta said he will have to elevate his level to keep up with the influx of new managers across the Premier League’s Big Six clubs.
The managerial landscape has changed significantly, with Enzo Maresca replacing Pep Guardiola at Man City, while Andoni Iraola has taken over from Arne Slot at Liverpool.
Chelsea have also appointed a new manager in Xabi Alonso, who replaced Maresca, and Michael Carrick was handed the permanent job at Manchester United in May.
Tottenham have also turned to Roberto De Zerbi, who took charge at the end of the 2025–26 season.
Arteta added: ‘We will have a lot of challengers looking at the squads, at the managers and at the clubs they are, but we know that.
‘We need to focus on ourselves and making sure that we maximise every resource we have to give ourselves the best chance. Then day by day it is going to be a long, long run.
‘Well, with a few managers as well and some new ones coming into the league that are exceptional. We know this league is full of incredible managers. It is so challenging every week to prepare games against them. That will elevate our level and my level for sure and we will try to be better.’
