Carrick claims Premier League set piece theatrics have 'gone too far'

"I think it's gone too far. It wasn't long ago we were told you couldn't lay a hand on anyone in the box and we were told it would be clamped down. It's crept in, the success of corners and being able to put bodies close together has made more teams do it."

"It's understandable why there are so many teams doing it and trying it. As a game, it doesn't feel like we've got that balance right. I don't know what to do about it, it's not for me to decide. In the meantime, you got to deal with what's in front of you, and if it's allowed, then you got to play to it."

Physical battles at set-pieces in the Premier League have intensified significantly during the 2025-26 season, with an unprecedented number of goals scored from dead-ball situations. Arsenal has been particularly successful with corner kicks, scoring multiple goals from this approach. This trend has prompted criticism from multiple managers, including concerns about time-wasting tactics and reduced entertainment value. Michael Carrick argues the balance has shifted too far toward physical contact in penalty areas, noting that while such tactics were previously discouraged, their recent success has encouraged widespread adoption. Despite acknowledging the issue, officials have not formally addressed the problem, though regulatory bodies are considering enforcement measures.

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