Jamie Carragher has pointed out a flaw in Gary Neville’s proposed rule change for the Premier League – but both have a point.
Carragher, 46, and Neville, 49, have become an unlikely duo on British television screens as they regularly work together on Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage.
Last night, Neville was present at the London Stadium for Arsenal’s 5-2 trouncing of West Ham United.
Neville regularly voices his opinions on all on and off-pitch matters related to football, but his latest suggestion will ring true with fans of most clubs.
With the scores at 5-2, both sides made changes at half-time, with Edson Alvarez replacing Crysencio Summerville for West Ham, while Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior replaced Gabriel Magalhães in the Gunners’ defence.
On 56 minutes, Oleksandr Zinchenko was introduced in place of Riccardo Calafiori before nine minutes later, the Hammers replaced goal scorer Emerson with Vladimir Coufal, and Danny Ings came on for Michail Antonio.
Then, to the dismay of Neville, Arsenal made two more changes just nine minutes later, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus came on for Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
And in theme with the second half, the Irons waited three minutes before making another double substitution of their own when Guido Rodriguez replaced Lucas Pacqueta and Andy Irving came on for Carlos Soler.
Then, just seven minutes later, Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri was introduced in place of Leandro Trossard.
Gary Neville suggested a rule change
Of course, both sides were acting within the laws of the game by making five substitutions each – but Neville had seemingly seen enough.
“The rhythm of the game just gets broken with all these subs,” said an annoyed-sounding Neville.
From the 2022/23 season, teams were allowed a further two substitutions (previously allowed three changes), which could take place in three blocks.
Neville previously suggested the idea of ‘rolling substitutions’ on The Overlap brought to you by Sky Bet.
Several other sports, including basketball and handball use the method.
“Let the fourth official manage substitutions so that the game doesn’t have to stop, and you can just run on and off,” he said.
“So basically, (Martin) Odegaard’s coming on for (Leandro) Trossard, the fourth official’s there, he gets a message to Trossard, ‘you’re off’ and Trossard comes off.”
However, Carragher was not totally convinced by the idea.
“You (a player on the pitch) wouldn’t look at the bench, would you?” said Carragher.