Rene Sligers: Time wasting by goalkeepers could harm the attractiveness of the Premier League

Arsenal coach Rene Sligers said time-wasting by goalkeepers in the Women’s Super League could hurt the “attractiveness” of the game.

The Sluggers were held to a 0-0 draw by Manchester United, who were reduced to 10 men at the Emirates Stadium for almost 30 minutes on Saturday.

After United full-back Jade Rivière was sent off, goalkeeper Fallon Tullis-Joyce came down to seek medical attention, allowing her teammates the opportunity to speak with coaches on the bench for several minutes.

Arsenal fans cheered when she was later booked for time-wasting

United manager Mark Skinner said Tullis Joyce “had something and the doctors went to see him” but admitted he could understand his “cynical side”.

Asked whether he would welcome the introduction of a rule to help prevent time-wasting, Skinner said: “I think the referees have tried to put things right.

“If it’s one of us [outfield] Players are injured by an accidental collision, and must step out for 30 seconds until the advantage is lost there. So I think it’s difficult.

“But from my point of view, I’m happy to explore it because we encounter it regularly ourselves.”

Arsenal dominated for large periods of the game but were wasteful in front of goal on a frustrating afternoon.

But Slegers said the breaks in play affected their momentum and made the game less attractive to watch.

“When you look at the bigger picture, there are a lot of people who are invested in coming and watching us on the field or on TV,” Sligers said.

“The product has to be attractive, and this is one area where it probably takes away from the entertainment a little bit.

“I haven’t had much time to think about the exact solution but I think there are other people thinking about it… I hope so!”

One suggestion was to only allow club captains to go to the side of the pitch and prevent the team from gathering around coaches for tactical advice.

When this idea was brought up to Slegers, she said, “Yes, I’ve heard that suggestion. This could be an example. But I think there’s a lot at stake as teams, players and coaches are always looking at how to expand the rules.”

“The important thing is I think we maintain the appeal of the game.”