Teams in the Premier League are frequently moving the ball at free kicks, manipulating the laws to create better angles and minimize the wall's impact. The controversy over Ivan Toney's goal has brought attention to this pervasive practice, with almost all Premier League sides attempting it at least once this season. Nottingham Forest leads the league in moving the ball at free kicks, doing so in 50% of their attempts, while Manchester City follows closely behind.

Why It Matters

This pervasive manipulation of the laws in the Premier League has raised concerns about the fairness and integrity of the game. The controversy surrounding Ivan Toney's goal has sparked debates about the enforcement of free kick rules and the role of VAR in monitoring such infractions.

By the Numbers
  • Nottingham Forest has moved the ball in 50% of their free kick attempts this season, leading the league in this regard.
  • Manchester City has attempted to move the ball in 40% of their free kick attempts, making them the most common offenders in the league.
State of Play
  • Teams in the Premier League are frequently manipulating the location of the ball during free kicks to gain an advantage in their shot attempts.
  • Controversy over the enforcement of free kick rules and the use of VAR has emerged following high-profile incidents, leading to debates about fair play and the integrity of the game.
What's Next

The ongoing prevalence of moving the ball at free kicks in the Premier League may lead to increased scrutiny and potential rule changes to ensure fair play and adherence to the established regulations.

Bottom Line

The widespread use of ball manipulation at free kicks in the Premier League has sparked concerns about the need for stricter enforcement of rules and potential reforms to maintain the integrity of the game.