Fans are only just realising the amount of time the ball spends in play in the Premier League

Fans are absolutely baffled after just realising the amount of time the ball spends in play in the Premier League.

During the 2022 World Cup, fourth officials were encouraged to increase the amount of added time due to in-game stoppages in an attempt to prevent time-wasting.

And it proved to be a beneficial concept considering how long the ball was in play for during Tuesday's goalless draw between Arsenal and Newcastle United.

The ball remained in play at the Emirates for just 51 minutes and 23 seconds - that's just over half a match.

Sean Longstaff and Ben White during Arsenal vs. Newcastle. Image: Alamy

The 51:23 time is below the 2022/23 Premier League average of 55.9 per cent (54 minutes and 49 seconds), according to Opta Analyst.

55 minutes being the average time the ball spends in play in England's top flight stunned fans online.

They bemoaned the 54:49 time as they even backed the World Cup's added time initiative to be introduced into the Premier League.

One Twitter user wrote: "That’s why we need 60 minute games and a stopping clock. Literally gets rid of all the time wasting in football. Probably better if it’s 45 or 50 minute games even."

A second tweeted: "That's why the calculated extra time at the world cup was a nice idea. We would literally have minimum 15 mins added time every game with the amount of time wasting that happens in the PL."

A third added: "This is why they are looking at going to 60 minute games but the clock stops whenever plays stops. Good idea in my eyes however I feel some games could end up being very long lol."

A fourth said: "Need to implement the World Cup extra time system or at least something similar."

Another commented: "Bring the World Cup added time criteria to the EPL."

How does the Premier League's average ball in play time compare to other leagues around Europe?

Well, the 54:49 time is better than the Bundesliga, Serie A and La Liga.

The Eredivisie boasts the best ball in play time, which stands at 57 minutes and 40 seconds ahead Ligue 1 (55 minutes and 20 seconds).