Top 5 Long Ball Merchants In The Premier League This Season

David Tully

6 months ago

Categories: Galleries, Manchester City News

Tags: Arsenal, aston villa, Brentford, Brighton, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Southampton, spurs, West Ham, wolves

While many believe that the Premier League has gravitated towards a more continental style of play in recent decades, there are still some proponents of the long ball game in this country.

The CIES Football Observatory has created an index that works out which teams play the most direct style of football.

Three different metrics (sprints in possession per 90, runs into space %, and km covered by the ball) make up the calculation.

Press the next page as we name the five Premier League clubs that have been the most direct in possession this campaign.

5) Wolves

Gary O’Neil had a job on his hands, having taken over as Wolves boss on the eve of the new season.

However, the former Bournemouth manager has done pretty well all things considered, with his side in 14th after 11 games.

O’Neil’s side have already got one prized scalp by beating champions Manchester City at the end of September.

There is no doubt that Wolves play a lot more direct under O’Neil than they did under Julen Lopetegui, but that has benefited players like Hwang Hee-chan and Pedro Neves who can use their pace to get on the end of long passes.

4) Nottingham Forest

Steve Cooper’s team are a well-drilled outfit, and that is borne out by the fact that they rarely lose by more than a one-goal margin.

Against the big teams, in particular, Forest sit deep and tend to play on the counter-attack, using the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi or Chris Wood as outlets.

The long balls to the target men allow them to get up the pitch and ease the pressure they are facing.

Cooper’s side also deliver plenty of balls into the box so the likes of Awoniyi can get on the end of them.

3) Bournemouth

It is somewhat surprising to see the Cherries so high up on this list, considering the appointment of Andoni Iraola as manager in the summer.

The Spaniard was known for his expansive style of play during his time at Rayo Vallecano, pressing the ball high and creating well-structured attacking patterns.

Yet, it seems Bournemouth are prepared to go direct more often than other Premier League teams.

Iraola’s style of play is known for utilising quick counter-attacks as well, but it seems they have been heavily reliant on getting the ball up the pitch as soon as possible when in possession.

2) Everton

Absolutely no one will be shocked that a Sean Dyche team is one of the most direct in the Premier League.

During his time at Burnley, Dyche was known for utilising a 4-4-2 formation, which could deploy two target men.

The former Clarets boss has changed his style slightly since moving to the Toffees, with a 4-5-1 system now more common.

Direct balls and crosses are still very much the order of the day, with the likes of Beto or Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the line.

1) Luton Town

Manager Rob Edwards got the Hatters promoted from the Championship with a very direct style of play and it is something that he has continued with in the top flight.

Time will tell whether the long ball approach will be enough to keep Luton Town in the Premier League. They are currently sitting 17th, with 6 points from 11 games.

They got a creditable draw against Liverpool at home last time out, which could have been a victory if Luis Diaz hadn’t equalised late on.

With a lack of finances to compete with the big boys, it appears Edwards’ direct style could help his team level the playing field.