Premier League Playing Styles 2024-25: An In-Depth Analysis
As the Premier League season nears its climax, The Analyst has been delving into the Opta data to uncover the intricacies of each team’s playing style. By examining metrics such as ball progression, possession efficiency, and high pressing, we can gain a deeper understanding of what sets each team apart.
According to The Analyst, Manchester City have dominated the Premier League in recent years, but their style of play has undergone a shift. As The Analyst notes, “Today, modern football is the way Bournemouth, Newcastle, Brighton and Liverpool play,” as quoted by Pep Guardiola. This change is reflected in the data, with Manchester City averaging the most passes in open-play sequences this season (5.1), surpassing the next highest team, Southampton (4.4).
In contrast, Nottingham Forest have adopted a more direct approach, advancing upfield at a rate of 2.1 metres per second, the fastest in the Premier League. The Analyst reports that Forest’s exceptional campaign has led them to the verge of European qualification. Meanwhile, Chelsea have demonstrated their ability to adapt, leading the league in total ‘direct attacks’ (81), which are defined as open-play sequences that start just inside the team’s own half and have at least 50% of movement towards the opposition’s goal before ending in a shot or a touch in the opposition’s box.
The Analyst also highlights that Manchester City’s possession-based style has not yielded the desired results this season. Despite holding possession for over three seconds longer than any other team in the average open-play sequence (15.7 seconds), they have not progressed upfield significantly further than Arsenal and Liverpool (both 14.2m). As The Analyst points out, “City’s average open-play progression in 2024-25 is 14.4m per sequence, only a shade higher than Arsenal and Liverpool.”
Furthermore, Bournemouth have impressed with their high-intensity pressing, frequently winning the ball back in advanced areas of the pitch. The Analyst reveals that Bournemouth have attempted 298 high turnovers, resulting in 21 more shots than Manchester City, who have made the most high turnovers (300). The Analyst notes that Bournemouth’s high press has been much more effective, with 20.8% of their high turnovers ending in a shot, a rate only bettered by Nottingham Forest (21.3%) and Liverpool (21.1%).
The data also highlights the struggles of Arsenal and Tottenham in converting high turnovers into shooting opportunities. Despite ranking fourth and fifth respectively for total high turnovers, they have both failed to capitalize on these situations, with only Southampton (10.7%) and West Ham (12.1%) below Arsenal (12.6%) and Spurs (12.9%) in terms of proportion ending in a shot.
As the season draws to a close, The Analyst provides valuable insights into the Premier League’s diverse playing styles. By examining the data, fans and analysts alike can gain a deeper understanding of what drives each team’s success and identify trends that may shape the future of the league.
In conclusion, the Premier League’s 2024-25 season has showcased a range of playing styles, from Manchester City’s possession-based approach to Bournemouth’s high-intensity pressing. As The Analyst continues to provide in-depth analysis, fans can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies that make each team unique.
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