Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Pushes for Game-Changing Premier League Rule That Could Transform Gunners' Fortune
Arsenal's head coach Mikel Arteta is pushing for Premier League officials to increase the number of players allowed in matchday squads—highlighting concerns about the psychological impact on professionals who are completely excluded from selection opportunities each week.
The Premier League currently allows 18 players—11 starting players plus seven substitutes—to be included for each match, while UEFA tournaments like the Champions League permit 20. Arteta is advocating for this modification.
"For the upcoming season, rather than 18 outfield players, ideally, it should be 20," the Arsenal manager stated to reporters on Friday morning. "I'm pleading with them from this position, similar to the Champions League format, as it's significantly better for squad management, preserving player value, and supporting player mental wellness, since no one wants to be excluded from the squad."
Why This Rule Change Suits Arsenal More Than Others
Why This Rule Change Suits Arsenal More Than Others
"It doesn't make much sense to limit [squad numbers]," Arteta contended. "I believe it benefits everyone involved. That's my perspective." This won't be universally welcomed.
Arteta's rationale for additional players is clear. Beyond the mental and emotional considerations, it enables him to utilize all available resources to influence match outcomes or manage playing time during any fixture. Arsenal possess the most comprehensive squad in the league—why wouldn't you want access to all those talents?
Nevertheless, for teams with limited financial means, this would be equivalent to voting against their own interests.
Increasing squad sizes is merely a result of implementing the five substitutes regulation, which inherently benefits clubs with greater financial capacity to invest in additional players. Originally introduced as a response to the compressed seasons and fixture pile-ups following the coronavirus outbreak, five substitutions have remained permanent.
Arsenal's Strength in Depth
Arsenal's Strength in Depth
Rank | Team | Average Squad Market Value |
|---|---|---|
1. | Arsenal | £45.7 million |
2. | Man City | £39.2 million |
3. | Liverpool | £34.7 million |
4. | Chelsea | £32.1 million |
5. | Tottenham | £26.2 million |
6. | Newcastle | £22.8 million |
7. | Man Utd | £22.4 million |
8. | Aston Villa | £18.1 million |
9. | Nottingham Forest | £18 million |
10. | Brighton | £16.4 million |
11. | Crystal Palace | £15.8 million |
12. | Brentford | £14.7 million |
13. | Everton | £14.5 million |
14. | Bournemouth | £14.4 million |
15. | West Ham | £12.8 million |
16. | Fulham | £12.6 million |
17. | Wolves | £11.3 million |
18. | Leeds | £10.7 million |
19. | Sunderland | £10.5 million |
20 | Burnley | £7.5 million |
Data via Transfermarkt.
When the expanded substitutions rule was initially introduced, Sean Dyche, formerly at Burnley and now managing Nottingham Forest, expressed how this represented another regulation favoring the league's elite clubs.
"I believe it clearly benefits the wealthy clubs since they can maintain more player satisfaction and involvement through additional changes," he commented in 2020.
"Much of football tends to work this way. We all had to modify our home pitch dimensions to match the big clubs competing in Europe. We all had to maintain identical grass lengths. Most developments are driven by the major clubs in the division."
This bias toward the elite has only intensified over the past six years, suggesting that if the Premier League's top teams favor larger squads, it may eventually be implemented.
Arteta Frets Over the Power a Manager Can Weild
Arteta Frets Over the Power a Manager Can Weild
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag previously characterized making tough choices as "the distinction between a manager and a human being." Arteta is acutely conscious of the constant struggle he faces with his compassionate instincts each weekend.
"We possess an extraordinary profession, which grants us the power to change someone's life and career, which is wonderful," he pondered. "However, weekly we must inform someone, 'Tomorrow you won't perform your role. You're not even permitted to accompany the team.'
"So name another profession where you do this. I can't enter the kitchen tomorrow and tell two chefs, 'Today you won't cook, just observe how others cook or go home.' It's extremely difficult.
"So someone who desires to feel included in that must be present. He must travel, he must be there and must believe he has an opportunity. When you remove that opportunity, you must release that player because he feels inadequate."
How Can Arteta Inspire Premier League Rule Change?
How Can Arteta Inspire Premier League Rule Change?
The Premier League belongs to its member clubs, so every significant decision requires voting among all 20 teams. Any change needs a two-thirds majority, meaning at least 14 clubs must support Arteta's proposal.
This democratic process has been openly criticized by Manchester City, who called it a "tyranny of the majority" in one of the most insensitive statements by any Premier League club. Nonetheless, Pep Guardiola's team would likely back Arteta's suggestion—unlike numerous other clubs.