The 2025/26 Premier League season is barely simply getting began, however there’s already a noticeable shift in how groups are approaching the sport. And it’s not what you would possibly count on. Whereas high-pressing methods and possession-based soccer nonetheless dominate headlines, it’s the return of some old-school techniques that’s caught the attention—and so they’re proving to be extra than simply nostalgic gimmicks.
Lengthy Throw-Ins: From Gimmick to Technique
Lengthy throw-ins, as soon as related to gritty, bodily sides, at the moment are again in style—and widespread. In Matchweek 1 alone, 11 groups launched lengthy throws into the opposition field. For comparability, solely 4 did the identical final yr at this stage.
This isn’t only a curiosity. Groups are seeing actual returns: final season produced 14 objectives from lengthy throw-ins, probably the most ever recorded in a Premier League season. Already this yr, there have been three extra. Groups at the moment are averaging 3.03 lengthy throws per match, double the earlier document.
Even strikers are beginning to anticipate these situations extra actively. It’s no shock that somebody like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a identified anytime scorer, has seen his anytime scorer odds tighten just lately on NetBet Sport. Groups that may weaponise the throw-in are giving goal males a brand new lease of life.
Going Lengthy: A New Function for Goalkeepers and Defenders
One other nod to the previous: goalkeepers going lengthy on goal. After a decade of taking part in quick from the again, the pattern is reversing. This season, 51.9% of keeper passes are lengthy (32m+), up considerably from final yr. The explanation? Relentless urgent.
Managers at the moment are keen to sacrifice some management for safety, which helps keep away from turnovers in harmful areas. Much more intriguing: we’re seeing outfield gamers take objective kicks, sending them straight into the opposition’s half to disrupt defensive setups. Virgil van Dijk has already completed it a number of occasions.
It’s a slight tactical twist, but it surely says loads about how groups are attempting to outthink opponents earlier than the ball even crosses midfield.
Kick-Offs Straight into Contact: Absurd or Genius?
Sure, it’s actually taking place. A handful of groups have kicked off by intentionally placing the ball out of play, deep in enemy territory. The objective? Pressure a throw-in excessive up the pitch and break up the opponent’s rhythm.
Solely three video games into the season, it’s already occurred extra occasions than within the final 5 seasons mixed. A tactic borrowed from PSG’s Champions League ultimate final yr, it’s the clearest signal but that managers are questioning long-held assumptions—even about kick-offs.
The High Groups Are Adjusting, Every in Their Personal Method
Liverpool below Arne Slot mixes aggressive urgent with direct, broad play in a 4-2-3-1 system. Their transitions are quick, and their use of the flanks is deadly.
Arsenal below Mikel Arteta nonetheless play structured soccer, however the addition of Gyökeres and Eze provides a sharper edge within the ultimate third.
Man Metropolis, with out De Bruyne, are relying extra on squad depth and positional rotation, however cracks have appeared defensively.
Chelsea below Enzo Maresca prefers management by a 4-2-3-1 form, mixing gradual build-up with bursts from Neto and João Pedro.
Sunderland, newly promoted, seems to be surprisingly stable below Regis Le Bris. A well-drilled 4-3-3 with tempo on the wings and intelligent positioning has helped them settle rapidly.
A League in Transition, Not in Regression
The 2025 Premier League isn’t going backwards. It’s biking by concepts, dusting off techniques that had been shelved, and modernising them for as we speak’s sport.
Managers aren’t abandoning trendy ideas—they’re rebalancing. In a league the place area is tougher to seek out and danger is in every single place, direct play, strategic throw-ins, and disruptive kick-offs are making sense once more.
Typically, the neatest innovation is figuring out when to carry again what used to work.
