Some teams like to keep the ball on the ground Mr. Pulis
The Premier League has at times had a bad reputation in Europe of being filled with teams that played very physical and technically poor football. However, with the influx of foreign managers and players that has occurred since the beginning of the millennium, the English game has changed considerably. It’s not only Arsenal that try to pass it in to the back of the net these days…
Here is a list of the best short passers in the league.
Stats courtesy of whoscored.com.
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10) Newcastle United, 411 short passes per match
Perhaps surprisingly on this list considering complaints about Alan Pardew’s style of football from fans, Newcastle are perfectly mid-table when it comes to passing style.
9) Tottenham Hotspur, 425 short passes per match
In at nine are Tottenham. With players like Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela – coupled with Mauricio Pochettino’s style at Southampton – you might expect them to be higher though.
8) Swansea City, 432 short passes per match
They have a great reputation for passing football, and so it’s no surprise that Swansea come in at eighth. What they have managed to create on a budget is undeniably impressive.
7) Southampton, 436 short passes per match
Since arriving back in the Premier League, Southampton have had a succession of managers espousing passing football. Nigel Adkins, Mauricio Pochettino, and now Ronald Koeman have all been supporters of keeping it on the ground.
6) Liverpool, 446 short passes per match
Brendan Rodgers has managed to create a team that plays exciting passing football at Anfield. The football played in their title challenge last season was some of the best in the league, but they haven’t quite managed to find the same level so far in 2014/15.
5) Manchester United, 495 short passes per match
Louis van Gaal has come in to Old Trafford and attempted to change the style of play of the Red Devils. This may not have stopped the team’s inconsistent results, but it has created a team that is getting better at passing the ball.
4) Chelsea, 497 short passes per match
Chelsea and their manager Jose Mourinho have been criticised for their style of play in the past, but with the signing of Cesc Fabregas they have become more open and free flowing. The Spaniard averages the second most passes per match in the league with 87. It has also turned them into huge favourites for the title.
3) Everton, 507 short passes per match
Roberto Martinez has truly started a revolution at Everton. The days of playing far more functional football under David Moyes are over, and they have are now the third best passers in the league. Gareth Barry is key, making 77 passes a match.
2) Manchester City, 585 short passes per match
Since Manuel Pellegrini has become manager at the Etihad they have become a more possession based side. Although with players such as David Silva and Sergio Aguero it probably isn’t hard to create a passing side. The Citizens’ Yaya Toure is the most prolific passer in the league, averaging 90 per game.
1) Arsenal, 591 short passes per match
Perhaps not surprisingly the North Londoners have the most short passes per game in the league. Arsene Wenger’s side have been known for their eye-pleasing style of play since the Frenchman came to the club. Aaron Ramsey has the highest average passes in their side, with over 71 per match.