{"id":2166993,"date":"2026-09-28T06:10:34","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T03:10:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2166993"},"modified":"2026-09-28T06:10:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T03:10:34","slug":"premier-league-is-top-flight-possession-football-on-way-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2166993","title":{"rendered":"Premier League: Is top-flight possession football on way out?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/branded_sport\/1200\/cpsprodpb\/a9fd\/live\/cc87a050-b8c3-11f1-ad1f-538855f30ba1.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"ssrcss-2fe4mx-ArticleWrapper e1nh2i2l0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-15twdc6-Stack e1y4nx260\">\n<div data-block=\"headline\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-usmnse-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<header data-testid=\"headline\">\n<h1 id=\"main-heading\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"ssrcss-8zqj65-Heading e10rt3ze0\"><span role=\"text\">Is Premier League possession football on way out?<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-1uy5kw5-FullWidthWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-hc6arm-StyledFigure e34k3c22\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pflr6j-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/a9fd\/live\/cc87a050-b8c3-11f1-ad1f-538855f30ba1.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/a9fd\/live\/cc87a050-b8c3-11f1-ad1f-538855f30ba1.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/a9fd\/live\/cc87a050-b8c3-11f1-ad1f-538855f30ba1.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/a9fd\/live\/cc87a050-b8c3-11f1-ad1f-538855f30ba1.jpg.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/a9fd\/live\/cc87a050-b8c3-11f1-ad1f-538855f30ba1.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/a9fd\/live\/cc87a050-b8c3-11f1-ad1f-538855f30ba1.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/span><span role=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-tzgxt7-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c20\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-i2z2ig-VisuallyHidden e16en2lz0\">Image source, <\/span>Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"byline\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"single-byline\" class=\"ssrcss-sevsa1-ContributorContainer ee66fvo3\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-dt4z-ContributorInfo ee66fvo0\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-i2z2ig-VisuallyHidden e16en2lz0\">By<\/span><span class=\"ssrcss-nsjd43-TextContributorName epw3ir01\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1q14p6q-LinkWithChevronContainer epw3ir02\"><span class=\"byline-link-text\">Umir Irfan<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-dqo7s5-ContributorDetails ee66fvo2\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1m5444d-Text ee66fvo4\">Football tactics correspondent<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"metadata\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"metadata\">\n<div>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-9tw7r1-MetadataStripContainer eh44mf03\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-10q9h22-GroupChildrenForWrapping eh44mf02\">\n<li role=\"listitem\" class=\"ssrcss-sf7vdp-MetadataStripItem eh44mf01\">\n<div class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-i2z2ig-VisuallyHidden e16en2lz0\">Published<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-m5j4pi-MetadataContent eh44mf00\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pvwv4b-MetadataSnippet e4wm5bw3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-61mhsj-MetadataText e4wm5bw1\"><time data-testid=\"timestamp\" datetime=\"2026-09-28T06:10:34.939Z\">44 minutes ago<\/time><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\"><b class=\"ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3\">In the early 2000s, Premier League defences tried to make the pitch as small as possible, giving their opposition less space to score in.<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Coaches therefore encouraged their attackers to play quickly, taking advantage of open space that saw them face fewer defenders.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Logically, this made total sense.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">It was Pep Guardiola&#8217;s influence that, in part, flipped this logic on its head over the last decade.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">His Manchester City sides looked to force teams back into a compact defence, a challenge that in theory should be harder to break down.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The counter logic was that they were forcing opponents to give them a familiar challenge they were prepared for.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">City&#8217;s defenders also had big spaces to cover, often standing at the halfway line. <\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">But for Guardiola, those spaces were less worrying if the ball stayed near the opposition&#8217;s goal for as long as possible.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">After all, if you have the ball, the opposition cannot score.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">So why now are teams that dominate the ball dropping points?<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Across this season&#8217;s opening 50 Premier League matches, teams recording at least 60% possession have won only 36.4% of those games, while in 2023-24, the figure was 53.5%.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Does this suggest possession football is on the way out? Well, the answer isn&#8217;t that simple. <\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Are teams winning because of their low possession, or having less possession because they have taken the lead early?<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">There could be some truth in both answers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"subheadline\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-usmnse-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"subheadline\">\n<h2 id=\"Why-less-might-be-more-in-2026\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"ssrcss-1sc9t00-Heading e10rt3ze0\"><span role=\"text\">Why less might be more in 2026<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Let&#8217;s use Xabi Alonso&#8217;s Chelsea as a case study. <\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">They won their opening games against Fulham and Brighton &#8211; 3-2 and 4-3 respectively &#8211; with the minority of possession, then drew 2-2 with Hull and lost 3-0 to Brentford despite having considerably more of the ball.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Against Brighton, Chelsea&#8217;s 25.6% possession and 146 successful passes were their lowest recorded figures in a Premier League match, with records beginning in 2003-04.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">And yet, the Blues scored four goals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">For three of them, accelerating play from throw-ins and counter-attacks allowed their direct attackers to find space against fewer defenders.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">This dynamic can partly be explained by Fabian Hurzeler&#8217;s Brighton wanting to dominate the ball &#8211; with only Manchester City averaging more possession than the Seagulls this season &#8211; which played into Chelsea&#8217;s hands.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto and Morgan Rogers boast skillsets suited to transition-heavy football, and the low possession against Brighton helped them play to their strengths.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-1uy5kw5-FullWidthWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-hc6arm-StyledFigure e34k3c22\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pflr6j-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/9f66\/live\/111ad9c0-b8c0-11f1-a430-4d16ee157c41.png.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/9f66\/live\/111ad9c0-b8c0-11f1-a430-4d16ee157c41.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/9f66\/live\/111ad9c0-b8c0-11f1-a430-4d16ee157c41.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/9f66\/live\/111ad9c0-b8c0-11f1-a430-4d16ee157c41.png.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/9f66\/live\/111ad9c0-b8c0-11f1-a430-4d16ee157c41.png.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/9f66\/live\/111ad9c0-b8c0-11f1-a430-4d16ee157c41.png.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"ssrcss-3uli8u-StyledFigureCaption ehbdhz00\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-i2z2ig-VisuallyHidden e16en2lz0\">Image caption, <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-15twdc6-Stack e1y4nx260\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">By breaking quickly, Chelsea scored their third against Brighton in what became a two-against-two situation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"subheadline\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-usmnse-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"subheadline\">\n<h2 id=\"Issue-of-philosophy-for-top-teams\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"ssrcss-1sc9t00-Heading e10rt3ze0\"><span role=\"text\">Issue of philosophy for top teams<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Counter-attacking comes with a stigma.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">It is more accepted underdogs like newly promoted Hull will play this way. For bigger teams, there is an expectation to eventually control the game with the ball.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">This makes a low-possession approach harder to sell long term, even if the players might look better conceding possession.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">And that disconnect between players&#8217; skillsets and tactics could help explain some dropped points.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Alongside Chelsea, Manchester United have also suffered in this way. Under Michael Carrick, they have averaged 1.5 points per game with more than 50% possession. With less, that rises to 2.6.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Clubs without the same expectation, like Brentford, Leeds and Hull, can concede possession and have built squads for that style.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">With impressive box defenders, dangerous counter-attackers and set-piece specialists, their tactics can align with their players&#8217; strengths, helping them compete against more less aligned opponents, irrespective of their wealth gap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"subheadline\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-usmnse-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"subheadline\">\n<h2 id=\"How-tactical-landscape-has-changed-things\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"ssrcss-1sc9t00-Heading e10rt3ze0\"><span role=\"text\">How tactical landscape has changed things<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">In recent seasons, there has been a rise in man-to-man pressure that has made building out from the back challenging. <\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Teams, as a result, have looked to play long over the press or past its first line into space for players to drive with the ball &#8211; think the likes of City&#8217;s Nico O&#8217;Reilly or Arsenal&#8217;s Declan Rice.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Both of these have been great solutions to the initial problem, but it does mean that teams full of physical athletes, focused on bringing down long passes or driving with the ball over distance, could be less suited to the intricate play required to unlock stubborn defences &#8211; a situation commonly faced by teams who have more of the ball.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">To dominate in 2026 likely requires a squad that has enough solutions in small spaces as well as big ones.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"storyboard\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<section aria-labelledby=\"storyboard-14-image-gallery\" class=\"ssrcss-1syjlyd-ImageGallerySection e47idof9\"><span id=\"storyboard-14-image-gallery\" class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-i2z2ig-VisuallyHidden e16en2lz0\">Image gallery<\/span><span class=\"ssrcss-z9ffh5-StyledAccessibilityLinks e47idof8\">Skip image gallery<\/span><\/p>\n<ol tabindex=\"0\" class=\"ssrcss-1asp21u-Gallery e47idof7\">\n<li aria-hidden=\"false\" data-testid=\"storyboard-14-slide0\" class=\"ssrcss-1kcac0m-Slide e47idof6\">\n<div>\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-hc6arm-StyledFigure e34k3c22\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-15eye0-ContainerWithBackground e47idof5\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-15ijjmi-ContentPositioning e47idof4\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-195lu2g-ImageContainer e47idof3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1f43yvp-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/8205\/live\/418191a0-b8c3-11f1-bc1f-3f186ca4140c.png.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/8205\/live\/418191a0-b8c3-11f1-bc1f-3f186ca4140c.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/8205\/live\/418191a0-b8c3-11f1-bc1f-3f186ca4140c.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/8205\/live\/418191a0-b8c3-11f1-bc1f-3f186ca4140c.png.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/8205\/live\/418191a0-b8c3-11f1-bc1f-3f186ca4140c.png.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/8205\/live\/418191a0-b8c3-11f1-bc1f-3f186ca4140c.png.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ssrcss-xh389s-StyledFigureCaption e196ruog0\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-i2z2ig-VisuallyHidden e16en2lz0\">Image caption, <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-15twdc6-Stack e1y4nx260\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">In this example we see Liverpool look to press Manchester City high. City play the ball through the pressure into Nico O&#8217;Reilly behind Liverpool&#8217;s first line of pressure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-hidden=\"true\" data-testid=\"storyboard-14-slide1\" class=\"ssrcss-1kcac0m-Slide e47idof6\">\n<div>\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-hc6arm-StyledFigure e34k3c22\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ho3an4-ContainerWithBackground e47idof5\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-15ijjmi-ContentPositioning e47idof4\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-195lu2g-ImageContainer e47idof3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1f43yvp-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/e556\/live\/47b90f80-b8c3-11f1-b1d1-571ed4d7ff2c.png.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/e556\/live\/47b90f80-b8c3-11f1-b1d1-571ed4d7ff2c.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/e556\/live\/47b90f80-b8c3-11f1-b1d1-571ed4d7ff2c.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/e556\/live\/47b90f80-b8c3-11f1-b1d1-571ed4d7ff2c.png.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/e556\/live\/47b90f80-b8c3-11f1-b1d1-571ed4d7ff2c.png.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/e556\/live\/47b90f80-b8c3-11f1-b1d1-571ed4d7ff2c.png.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ssrcss-xh389s-StyledFigureCaption e196ruog0\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-i2z2ig-VisuallyHidden e16en2lz0\">Image caption, <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-15twdc6-Stack e1y4nx260\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">O&#8217;Reilly then uses his ball-carrying ability to take advantage of the big space ahead of him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div hidden class=\"ssrcss-g0cdwt-StyledControls e47idof2\">\n<p data-testid=\"storyboard-14-current-entry\" class=\"ssrcss-16dkdda-CurrentEntry e47idof0\">1 of 2<\/p>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1avon3o-Buttons e47idof1\"><button type=\"button\" disabled data-testid=\"storyboard-14-back-button\" class=\"ssrcss-4x6lxc-Button eoocusk1\"><span data-testid=\"arrows:chevron-left\" class=\"ssrcss-lymy45-IconWrapper eoocusk0\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-i2z2ig-VisuallyHidden e16en2lz0\">Previous image<\/span><\/span><\/button><button type=\"button\" data-testid=\"storyboard-14-forward-button\" class=\"ssrcss-4x6lxc-Button eoocusk1\"><span data-testid=\"arrows:chevron-right\" class=\"ssrcss-lymy45-IconWrapper eoocusk0\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-i2z2ig-VisuallyHidden e16en2lz0\">Next image<\/span><\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span data-testid=\"storyboard-14-live-region\" id=\"storyboard-14-live-region\" aria-live=\"polite\" class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-i2z2ig-VisuallyHidden e16en2lz0\"><span role=\"text\">Slide1 of 2, Screen grab showing City&#8217;s build-up play against Liverpool last season., In this example we see Liverpool look to press Manchester City high. City play the ball through the pressure into Nico O&#8217;Reilly behind Liverpool&#8217;s first line of pressure.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-i2z2ig-VisuallyHidden e16en2lz0\">\n<div id=\"storyboard-14-end-of-image-gallery\" tabindex=\"-1\">End of image gallery<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Opponents have used man-to-man defending closer to goal too, making it harder to find the unmarked player, a key attacking principle used in Guardiola&#8217;s positional play.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">With players marked, attacks can then depend on winning one-against-one situations, requiring individual quality often in the form of dribbling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Given the way teams have been built over the last few years, certain sides may lack this type of problem solver. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"subheadline\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-usmnse-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"subheadline\">\n<h2 id=\"Success-of-style-of-play-depends-on-players\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"ssrcss-1sc9t00-Heading e10rt3ze0\"><span role=\"text\">Success of style of play depends on players<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">It is important to note possession is an average across a match, which can hide how the scoreline changes a team&#8217;s approach.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Chelsea scored within seven minutes in each of their opening four league games after which opponents pushed forward looking for a goal. The Blues dropped deeper, defending their lead and attacking the space left behind.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Across their opening five matches, Chelsea averaged 51.4% possession when level, 34.5% when ahead and 67.2% when behind &#8211; highlighting how much their possession has varied with the score.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Interestingly, protecting a lead created favourable opportunities for Chelsea&#8217;s attackers to play intuitively, carry the ball and attack space. When chasing a goal, they had more possession but appeared to lack solutions against compact defences.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Arsenal show the value of being able to do both parts well when needed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Bukayo Saka and Max Dowman&#8217;s dribbling, combined with the passing of Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, provides repeatable solutions against packed defences. <\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Their set-piece threat can also give them the lead when clear chances are difficult to create despite dominating the ball.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-1uy5kw5-FullWidthWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-hc6arm-StyledFigure e34k3c22\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pflr6j-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/dc25\/live\/9e8923f0-b8c2-11f1-a430-4d16ee157c41.png.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/dc25\/live\/9e8923f0-b8c2-11f1-a430-4d16ee157c41.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/dc25\/live\/9e8923f0-b8c2-11f1-a430-4d16ee157c41.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/dc25\/live\/9e8923f0-b8c2-11f1-a430-4d16ee157c41.png.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/dc25\/live\/9e8923f0-b8c2-11f1-a430-4d16ee157c41.png.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/dc25\/live\/9e8923f0-b8c2-11f1-a430-4d16ee157c41.png.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"ssrcss-3uli8u-StyledFigureCaption ehbdhz00\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-i2z2ig-VisuallyHidden e16en2lz0\">Image caption, <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-15twdc6-Stack e1y4nx260\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">For Max Dowman&#8217;s goal against Ipswich, Arsenal&#8217;s ability to keep the ball and unlock defences was on show.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Once ahead, Arsenal&#8217;s possession falls from 60.4% to 56.6% &#8211;\u00a0a small drop but a signal of intent.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Gabriel, Ezri Konsa, Jurrien Timber and Rice then offer the defensive quality to control the game with less of the ball.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Manchester City protect leads differently. Their possession remains at 64.9% when ahead. This approach works partly because it is familiar to the squad Enzo Maresca inherited from Guardiola in the summer. <\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Rather than repeatedly defending their penalty area, they protect their advantage by keeping the ball and keeping opponents away from their goal given their technical quality.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"subheadline\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-usmnse-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"subheadline\">\n<h2 id=\"Winning-football-is-ensuring-game-is-on-your-terms\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"ssrcss-1sc9t00-Heading e10rt3ze0\"><span role=\"text\">Winning football is ensuring game is on your terms<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">From all of the successful examples, the same objective is being achieved: a game that suits your players and one that makes the opposing players uncomfortable.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;If you are brave, they have to play a game that is not [the opponent&#8217;s] preferred game,&#8221; current Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola told The Independent in 2025.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">At the time, he was managing Bournemouth &#8211; a team notorious for winning with less of the ball against some of the league&#8217;s best.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">It would be fair to argue fewer teams in the league now have the players or the solutions needed to break down teams given the evolution in defensive tactics, and advantages are more commonly found in attacking the big spaces.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Therefore bridging that gap, from thriving without the ball to dominating with it, will take time for those wanting to do so.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">But at the top level, this is time not all coaches are afforded.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"topicList\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-tcr9z1-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"topic-list\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nj9heb-StyledTagContainer ed0g1kj1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1pfbb52-TopicListHeaderWrapper etw6iwl0\">\n<h2 class=\"ssrcss-89o2pv-Heading e10rt3ze0\">Related topics<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17ehax8-Cluster e1ihwmse1\">\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-w8zanw-ClusterItems e1ihwmse0\">\n<li>Premier League<\/li>\n<li>Football<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"promoList\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-tcr9z1-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<h2 class=\"ssrcss-89o2pv-Heading e10rt3ze0\">More on this story<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"ssrcss-1ughxsy-List e880cno1\">\n<li>\n<div data-testid=\"promo\" class=\"ssrcss-ccqz3i-Promo e1vyq2e80\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1u1fh10-PromoSwitchLayoutAtBreakpoints et5qctl0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-wg79iw-PromoContent exn3ah912\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span role=\"text\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-6bmydz-PromoHeadline exn3ah99\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">Why Premier League faces uncertainty and chaos after Man City ruling<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\">\n<div>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-9tw7r1-MetadataStripContainer eh44mf03\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-10q9h22-GroupChildrenForWrapping eh44mf02\">\n<li role=\"listitem\" class=\"ssrcss-sf7vdp-MetadataStripItem eh44mf01\">\n<div class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-i2z2ig-VisuallyHidden e16en2lz0\">Published<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-m5j4pi-MetadataContent eh44mf00\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pvwv4b-MetadataSnippet e4wm5bw3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-61mhsj-MetadataText e4wm5bw1\">16 hours ago<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-z60stg-PromoImageContainer en81kx34\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17h6w1t-PromoImageContainerInner en81kx32\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-fec6qv-ImageWrapper en81kx33\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1w0j7oy-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/ee2f\/live\/cb7000d0-b9aa-11f1-8a1a-0176f978c211.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/ee2f\/live\/cb7000d0-b9aa-11f1-8a1a-0176f978c211.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/ee2f\/live\/cb7000d0-b9aa-11f1-8a1a-0176f978c211.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/ee2f\/live\/cb7000d0-b9aa-11f1-8a1a-0176f978c211.jpg.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/ee2f\/live\/cb7000d0-b9aa-11f1-8a1a-0176f978c211.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/ee2f\/live\/cb7000d0-b9aa-11f1-8a1a-0176f978c211.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div data-testid=\"promo\" class=\"ssrcss-ccqz3i-Promo e1vyq2e80\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1u1fh10-PromoSwitchLayoutAtBreakpoints et5qctl0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-wg79iw-PromoContent exn3ah912\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span role=\"text\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-6bmydz-PromoHeadline exn3ah99\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">Man City? I feel cheated &#8211; when do Stoke City get our FA Cup?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\">\n<div>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-9tw7r1-MetadataStripContainer eh44mf03\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-10q9h22-GroupChildrenForWrapping eh44mf02\">\n<li role=\"listitem\" class=\"ssrcss-sf7vdp-MetadataStripItem eh44mf01\">\n<div class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-i2z2ig-VisuallyHidden e16en2lz0\">Published<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-m5j4pi-MetadataContent eh44mf00\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pvwv4b-MetadataSnippet e4wm5bw3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-61mhsj-MetadataText e4wm5bw1\">1 day ago<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-z60stg-PromoImageContainer en81kx34\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17h6w1t-PromoImageContainerInner en81kx32\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-fec6qv-ImageWrapper en81kx33\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pflr6j-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/c068\/live\/df157960-541c-11f1-8b8c-6d33e1d5abb6.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/c068\/live\/df157960-541c-11f1-8b8c-6d33e1d5abb6.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/c068\/live\/df157960-541c-11f1-8b8c-6d33e1d5abb6.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/c068\/live\/df157960-541c-11f1-8b8c-6d33e1d5abb6.jpg.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/c068\/live\/df157960-541c-11f1-8b8c-6d33e1d5abb6.jpg.webp 800w\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/sport\/football\/articles\/cmn45n5d8wq7o&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/branded_sport\/1200\/cpsprodpb\/a9fd\/live\/cc87a050-b8c3-11f1-ad1f-538855f30ba1.jpg&#8221;] Is Premier League possession football on way out? Image source, Getty Images By Umir Irfan Football tactics correspondent Published 44 minutes ago In the early 2000s, Premier League defences tried to make the pitch as small as possible, giving their opposition less space to score in. Coaches therefore encouraged their attackers to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[35,226],"class_list":["post-2166993","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-bbc-com","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2166993","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2166993"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2166993\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2166993"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2166993"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2166993"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}