In the world of football, trash-talkers, time wasters, and roughhousers exist in every team, employing various tactics that push the limits of the game without crossing the line. While some players wear their cunning on their sleeves, others execute their strategies more subtly, often with a touch of humor. However, the recent collective condemnation of Arsenal as the standard-bearers of dark arts has inadvertently held a mirror to the game’s underhanded tactics.
Arsenal did engage in some crafty maneuvers when they faced Manchester City with ten men, a team renowned as England’s footballing powerhouse under a highly influential manager. After finishing second in the league for the past two seasons, the Gunners resorted to tactical gamesmanship in a moment of desperation following a clumsy red card. It’s worth noting that most teams in their situation would likely adopt similar tactics. While teams like those managed by Marcelo Bielsa or Arsène Wenger may not partake in such strategies, the majority would have defended staunchly, almost parking the bus, much like Arsenal did.
Few Premier League teams can claim innocence regarding the use of dark arts. Classic tactics, like diving, have seen a decline due to the advent of VAR, though players have been attempting to deceive referees since the inception of penalties. Other tricks, such as stealing a few yards on free kicks or delaying the game, remain common, even if they sometimes result in yellow cards. As footballers evolve, they continually find ways to exploit loopholes that lawmakers may overlook, meaning every team likely has its own dark art specialist, akin to having a team prankster.
Take Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, for example, who relishes the role of a dark art practitioner. He whispers tactics to penalty takers, disrupts the area around the ball, and prolongs goal kicks and penalties, even feigning injury when necessary. His antics contributed to half of the 13 yellow cards Villa received for time wasting last season.
In contrast, Arsenal’s Ben White excels in subtlety. His clever tactics often go unnoticed until viewed from multiple angles. In a previous match against Tottenham Hotspur, he cleverly distracted goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario by tugging at his glove during a corner, which ultimately led to a goal. White also employs off-the-ball tactics, disrupting forwards with nudges and positioning himself strategically during set pieces. In one memorable instance, he even tickled a goalkeeper’s armpit, prompting a frustrated response from Spurs coach Ange Postecoglou, who chided, “Mate, seriously? Get the ball and play some football.” However, such tactics can be effective.
While Postecoglou has tried to curb the antics of players like Christian Romero, who occasionally plays the role of a victim, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, the team’s overall statistics showed they moved the ball quickly during restarts last season. Still, this fast pace may have contributed to their struggles in closing out games.
Another mention worth noting is Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, who executed a cheeky knock on Lionel Messi during a Champions League semifinal, which went unnoticed by officials. He later expressed regret but continued to assert his physicality, even going so far as to shove Manchester City’s Kyle Walker into the advertising boards.
Interestingly, discussions surrounding dark arts often center around defenders and goalkeepers, with less focus on forwards, especially since diving has become increasingly ineffective. However, Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy remains a master at provoking defenders, while the former Brentford striker Ivan Toney was known for his exceptional acting ability—now absent due to his move to the Saudi league. As a cohesive unit, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United excels in drawing fouls and committing tactical infractions to disrupt their opponents, a strategy inspired by Diego Simeone, the game’s preeminent expert in dark arts. Howe’s team ethos is encapsulated in their mantra: “We’re not here to be popular; we’re here to compete.”
While governing bodies occasionally impose new sanctions to combat these tactics, their effectiveness remains debatable. Clearly, footballers, managers, and the entire ecosystem of the game will continue to adapt and innovate. Whether these strategies are deemed anti-football or unethical is another discussion entirely. Yet, they exist and will persist, making the critics who label Arsenal as the sole purveyors of dark arts appear somewhat pretentious.
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