Gary Neville has reignited his push for rolling substitutions in football, expressing frustration with the stop-start nature of the Premier League during Arsenal’s thrilling 5-2 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium.
Gary Neville Calls for Major Premier League Rule Change After Arsenal’s Win Over West Ham
Commentating for Sky Sports alongside Rob Hawthorne, the Manchester United legend called on league officials to modernize substitution rules.
His comments came after both teams utilized their full allocation of five substitutes, which he believed disrupted the game’s rhythm, especially in the second half.
“The flow of the game just gets broken with all these subs,” Neville remarked, as changes from both sides—including Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus and West Ham’s Edson Alvarez—slowed the pace of play.
Since the 2022/23 season, Premier League clubs have been allowed five substitutions across three stoppages, with an additional window at halftime.
While this policy aims to manage player workloads, Neville argued it inadvertently impacts the viewing experience.
He proposed a dynamic alternative: rolling substitutions. Borrowing from sports like basketball, this would allow players to exit and enter the field seamlessly without halting play.
Speaking previously on The Overlap, Neville explained: “Let the fourth official manage substitutions so the game doesn’t have to stop. A player can just come off, and the substitute runs straight on.”
The idea gained some support in the commentary box. Arsenal legend Ian Wright echoed Neville’s sentiments, suggesting a system where officials signal substitutions while play continues.
However, not everyone was convinced. Jamie Carragher questioned the practicality of players noticing substitution instructions amid the chaos of a match.
Interestingly, the Dutch FA has toyed with a similar concept, proposing “flying substitutions” earlier this year. While the idea hasn’t progressed, it indicates a growing appetite for innovation in football.
As Premier League chiefs seek to balance tradition with modern demands, Neville’s call for change could spark debate.
Whether rolling substitutions are the future remains to be seen, but the issue highlights the sport’s ongoing struggle to keep pace with evolving expectations.
For now, Neville’s plea adds a fresh perspective to conversations about improving the beautiful game.
