Route One Revolution: Who’s Being Hoofed At Most in the Premier League

Possession purists, look away. The Premier League has gone full-on route one, and the numbers make you wince. Arne Slot’s Liverpool are being pelted from the skies, managers are leaning on the big man up top, and even the most refined sides are being asked to deal with the old-fashioned diagonal into the mixer.

Slot’s gripe – and the data behind it

Slot hasn’t been shy about calling it out. By his count, Liverpool had already defended 178 long balls across seven games, then faced a staggering 59 in one outing against Manchester United. Since those remarks, the flood has only swelled – Brentford, in their 3-2 victory over the reigning champions, went with their highest percentage of long passes all season. It’s not pretty, but it’s pragmatic – and right now it’s working for plenty.

The fewest long balls faced (20th to 11th)

At the foot of this particular table, newly-promoted Burnley have had the least to contend with over the top: just 360 long balls faced. Sides are finding it easy enough to play through Scott Parker’s men, so there’s little need to launch it.

Aston Villa (390) and a beleaguered West Ham (393) are next; both have been far too open between the lines, inviting teams to slice through rather than go long. Chelsea, targeting a top-four push under Enzo Maresca, have copped 412, while Nottingham Forest (421) and a Thomas Frank-less Brentford (424) sit just ahead.

Leeds (430) and Fulham (430) share the same figure, which speaks to opponents feeling they can build through rather than bypass. Tottenham (435) and David Moyes’ Everton (443) round out this bracket. For the Hammers in particular, it’s been worryingly easy for opponents to waltz through midfield – no need for the hail-Mary when the front door’s open.

Side note for the trivia lovers: Chelsea remain the only club to have won all four major UEFA competitions – and the only London side to lift both the Champions League and Club World Cup. History’s grand; now they’ll want the structure to match.

The most long balls faced (10th to 1st)

Crystal Palace kick off the top ten on 447. Oliver Glasner’s lot were unbeaten in 19 before Everton halted them at Hill Dickinson Stadium – their FA Cup momentum clearly hasn’t vanished, but teams aren’t shy about turning them around early.

Sunderland, the best of last season’s promoted trio so far under Régis Le Bris, have dealt with 448. Then come Manchester United (452) and Wolves (452). Ruben Amorim’s United have been launching plenty themselves, but they’re also being asked to defend that direct threat at the other end.

Arsenal’s granite spine forces rivals long – the Gunners have faced 471, just behind Brighton on 475. Manchester City (479) and Newcastle (496) find themselves in the same boat: when you can’t knit play through Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães, you go over them.

Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola have turned into a nasty assignment; opponents have hoofed 525 their way in search of a crack. And topping the pile are Liverpool on a thumping 571. Liverpool have faced more long balls than anyone in the division – a by-product of wearing the target of reigning champions and a challenge Slot’s side must meet head-on.

So, what does it tell us?

This isn’t a moral argument about style; it’s about margins. Teams are choosing percentage football against the elite press – clip it wide, pin full-backs, scrap for seconds. For Liverpool, City, Newcastle and Bournemouth, that means a constant aerial examination. Solve the chaos – win the league. Fail to clear your lines – and you’ll get beaten up by the basics.

If you’re weighing up who copes best with the barrage, you’re not alone – the same logic drives punters scouring the best betting sites for value when the wind’s up and the centre-halves are under it.

Key figures at a glance

Fewest long balls faced: Burnley 360; Aston Villa 390; West Ham 393; Chelsea 412; Nottingham Forest 421; Brentford 424; Leeds 430; Fulham 430; Tottenham 435; Everton 443.

Most long balls faced: Crystal Palace 447; Sunderland 448; Manchester United 452; Wolves 452; Arsenal 471; Brighton 475; Manchester City 479; Newcastle 496; Bournemouth 525; Liverpool 571.

All figures per Opta via Sky Sports, correct as of 28/10/2025.