New five subs rule profits Premier League bosses on opening weekend

Premier League clubs used the new five-substitute rule to their advantage to help secure victories on the opening day of the season. Eddie Howe was one of the managers to use all five substitutions on the opening weekend Clubs are only allowed to make substitutions in three breaks in play in an attempt to stop clubs exploiting the rule to waste time. ‘It’s the responsibility of the officials to make sure teams do not exploit it and to make sure they are adding on the right time.’ Premier League clubs had long resisted the chance to bring the five-sub rule back permanently, which they had utilised when football returned following their hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic. Ralph Hasenhuttl's Southampton were the only side to use five subs and not earn three points ‘It’s absolutely not true that it gives us an advantage,’ said Jurgen Klopp in February. ‘I can’t believe it is still discussed like this.’ The other major leagues in Europe continued to use five subs when given the option by football’s lawmakers after the pandemic, yet the majority of Premier League sides chose to return to a maximum of just three substitutes.