Water breaks could be temporarily introduced on the final day of the Premier League season amid scorching temperatures. The UK has enjoyed some spectacular weather over recent days, with thermometers reaching 30 degrees in certain parts of the country.
And while many are relishing the conditions, Premier League officials could contemplate a late rule modification to safeguard player welfare. According to Sky Sports, mandatory drinks breaks could be introduced on the campaign’s concluding day if temperatures exceed 30 degrees before kick-off.
All fixtures on the season’s final day will commence at 4pm on Sunday. There is significant drama to unfold too, with European qualification spots and the ultimate relegation place still to be determined.
It would not mark the first occasion that drinks breaks have featured in the Premier League. They were brought in during the delayed 2019/20 season, with matches taking place during summer months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Water breaks were also witnessed at the start of the 2022/23 campaign. Regardless, one side that will savour the final day will be newly-crowned champions Arsenal.
The Gunners travel to Selhurst Park and will lift the trophy at the end of the match. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta said: “We have 48 hours to enjoy the success of winning the league.
“Now, tomorrow and Saturday, we’re going to prepare really well because we need to now lift again our habits and the standards that we normally do things to be in the best possible way to compete.
“On Sunday, we’ll have a little window there again to celebrate, to lift the trophy in a manner that it deserves, to connect with the people who are constantly around us. But then we have six days that we need to write a new history in this football club.”
While the Spaniard cannot clinch another league title, he will be optimistic about his side delivering a memorable performance, having previously claimed his team play better in warmer conditions.
“The sun,” Guardiola remarked following victory over Chelsea earlier this season. “I’m not joking. The sun. In Manchester there is never the sun. If the sun arrived in November, we would be champions in January. Honestly, the mood is better.”