Eight major new Premier League rules could suit Tottenham style under De Zerbi

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Tottenham benefit from several rule changes in the Premier League this season, as the league looks to crack down on time-wasting.

The 26-27 Premier League season is finally here! Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford then take to the pitch on Saturday evening for their first match of the new campaign.

Roberto De Zerbi will be aiming to get off to a winning start as Spurs look to make a marked improvement on the previous two seasons, in which they finished 17th.

Major rule changes set to impact Tottenham in 2026-27 season

The Premier League 26-27 season is sure to look different, with several major rule changes set to be introduced.

The focus of these new rules is to reduce time-wasting and speed up matches. Ahead of the new campaign, we have now highlighted every major rule change set to be implemented in the English top flight

Key Premier League rule changes for Tottenham to learn 2026-27

• Goal-kicks and throw-ins: Referees can start a visible five-second countdown if a player deliberately delays a restart. Taking too long over a throw-in results in possession being given to the opposition. Goalkeepers who delay a goal-kick can now concede a corner.
• Towels: Players are no longer allowed to use towels to dry the ball before taking a throw-in.
• Substitutions: Substituted players have ten seconds to leave the pitch at the nearest point. If they take too long, their replacement cannot enter for at least one minute, leaving the team temporarily with ten men.
• Injuries: Players who cause the referee to stop the match because of an injury must leave the pitch for one minute. There are exceptions, including situations where the opponent receives a yellow or red card.
• Goalkeeper ‘tactical timeouts’: If a goalkeeper asks for treatment without an exemption applying, their team must temporarily remove an outfield player for one minute. This is designed to stop teams using goalkeeper injuries for tactical discussions.
• Handball after goal-kicks: Once a goalkeeper or defender kicks the ball from a goal-kick, it is officially considered taken. If a defender then handles the ball, a penalty can be awarded.
• VAR: VAR can now review the second yellow card when it results in a player being sent off. VAR can also intervene in certain attacking fouls committed before a set-piece if the incident directly leads to a goal, penalty or disciplinary sanction.

New rules could suit De Zerbi’s fast-paced Spurs

These new rules could well benefit Spurs and De Zerbi‘s brand of football. The Italian is known for his quick buildups and his fast attacking style of play.

However, while there is a focus on cracking down on time-wasting, the onus will be on the officials to enforce these changes.

The inconsistencies in officiating in the Premier League remain a major point of concern, and last season Tottenham Hotspur were victims of those on several occasions.

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