Physical battles at set-pieces, says Michael Carrick Premier League Adding to the growing debate about scuffles and shoving inside the penalty area have gone “too far”.

An increase in goals from dead-ball situations is a defining feature of the 2025–26 season, with more set-piece goals already scored than in the entire previous campaign.

Arsenal He has been central to the trend and added two more from corners in their 2-1 win Chelsea at the end of the week.

But the increase has sparked concern in some quarters. Brighton boss Fabian Herzeler accused Arsenal of wasting time with corners and throw-ins, while Arne Slott suggested that an over-reliance on set-pieces had reduced the “joy” of top-flight matches.

Speaking ahead of United’s trip to Newcastle, Carrick said the balance had gone too far.

“I think it’s gone too far,” he said. “It was a long time ago that we were told you couldn’t put a hand on someone in the box and we were told it would be smothered. It’s come in, the success of corners and being able to keep bodies close together has inspired more teams to do it.

“It’s understandable why a lot of teams are doing it and trying it. As a sport, 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 have to deal with what’s in front of you, and if it’s allowed, you have to play with it.”

Ian Maxwell of the International Football Association Board recently acknowledged the issue of corner-to-corner but said it had not been formally discussed. Ifab plans to introduce a five-second countdown for referees to enforce throw-ins and goal-kicks when players take too long, although at this stage there are no proposals to extend this to corners.