Every Premier League rule change ahead Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham opening matches

For the first time this season, a fresh set of rules will be implemented in the Premier League when Liverpool take on Bournemouth in the opening game of the season (8pm Friday).

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham will be watching on with interest ahead of their own season openers this weekend. Spurs are the first of the three clubs in action as they take on newly-promoted Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Chelsea play on Sunday when they host Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge (2pm kick-off). Arsenal face an away trip to Manchester United on the same day (4.30pm kick-off).

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Last season saw the Football Association and Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) come under intense scrutiny, with contentious decisions frequently stealing the limelight.

Therefore, the officials in charge of the games and on VAR duty will be tasked with implementing the changes. Here football.london has examined all the new rule changes, their implications, and how they'll affect teams in action.

New role for captains

This season, only team captains will be permitted to engage with the referee during the course of the 90-minute match. Any players who overstep this boundary or behave disrespectfully will be shown a yellow card.

If the goalkeeper is wearing the captain's armband, one outfield player can be nominated to liaise with the referee.

The eight-second rule for goalkeepers

This season, all Premier League goalkeepers will face penalties if they hold onto the ball for more than eight seconds. If a goalkeeper exceeds this limit, with the on-field referee counting down the final five seconds of the eight-second restriction, a corner will be awarded to the opposing team.

This rule has been implemented to curb time-wasting. A similar rule concerning the length of time goalkeepers could handle the ball was previously in place but was not strictly enforced.

Introduction of new VAR protocol

The Premier League now has the option to instruct the on-field referee to make an announcement following a VAR 'review' or a lengthy VAR 'check'. This protocol, which involves declaring and explaining decisions to the crowd, was similarly enforced by on-field officials at the Club World Cup.

Minor adjustments to set-piece and offside rules

There have been minor changes to some set-piece rules. For instance, a player will be allowed to retake a penalty if they accidentally touch the ball twice during their spot kick.

However, this rule will only apply if their shot is successful.

If a player, substitute or coach off the pitch interferes with play before the ball goes out of bounds, an indirect free-kick will be awarded. In instances where the game is halted, a drop ball will be given to the team that did not last touch the ball, provided the referee believes they would have regained possession.

Regarding offsides, this season's rules dictate that the goalkeeper's last point of contact with the ball should be used to determine an offside position.

For instance, if the goalkeeper initiates a counter-attack with a long throw, the officials – and VAR, if necessary – will assess the pass from the moment it leaves his glove.