From Control to Chaos: How the Premier League Is Redefining Its Playing Style in 2025

There has undoubtedly been a major shift in playing style in the Premier League this season, as several teams are moving away from a possession-based, controlled approach in favour of “chaos football”, a more direct and aggressive style featuring long balls, set pieces, and long throws.

In recent years, many sides have focused on maintaining control through high pressing and possession play, with last season’s champions Liverpool excelling in this area. While this approach remains evident among some teams, there has clearly been a broader shift toward a faster, more unpredictable style designed to unnerve opponents.

This article explores which teams have benefited most from this tactical evolution and examines the statistical changes driving this transformation.

The Changes

A key feature of this chaotic style is the increased emphasis on set pieces, long throws, and direct passing. Teams are now showing a greater desire to move the ball forward quickly and deliver it into the box sooner than in previous seasons. Passing rates have dropped across the league, with overall pass counts at a 15-year low, even among the top clubs.

Manchester City, for example, led the league in short passes last season, averaging 523.26 per game. This season, that number has fallen to 477.22. When it comes to long passes, the league’s top performers are currently Wolves and Manchester United. Wolves’ average of successful long passes per match has increased from 21.5 last season to 25.7 this season, while United’s figure has risen from 22.4 to 25.1.

Set pieces have also become a cornerstone of this new approach. Arsenal, for example, have taken the most corners this season, an average of 7.44 per match, up from 6.60 last season. Across the league, there have already been 81 goals from set pieces, accounting for 33.6% of all Premier League goals this season. Manchester City remain the only side yet to score from a set piece, while Arsenal top the chart with 11 set-piece goals in nine games.

Long throws, another hallmark of the new style, have more than doubled in frequency.

Last season, teams averaged 1.52 long throws per match (those travelling at least 20 metres into the opposition box). That figure has jumped to 3.44 per match in the 2025/26 season so far.

Who Is Thriving

Having identified the key tactical trends, it’s worth examining which clubs are thriving as a result. League leaders Arsenal have been the standout beneficiaries, scoring the most goals from set pieces this season. Of their 16 total goals, 11 have come from set pieces, an incredible 69%.

Brentford have also taken advantage of this evolving approach. Four of their 13 goals (31%) have come from set pieces, and their use of long throw-ins has been particularly effective, notably in their opening goal against Liverpool last weekend. This reflects their continued success in exploiting physical and aerial strengths.

Tottenham Hotspur are another side benefiting from a more direct style of play under new management. Their approach mirrors the successful tactics employed by Thomas Frank during his Brentford tenure. Last season, the Spurs ranked lowest for successful long passes per game with just 15.4, but this year they have climbed to 11th in the league, averaging 20.6 per match, a clear indication of their stylistic evolution. They also rank seventh for set-piece goals, with 5 of their 17 goals (30%) coming from such situations.

Conclusion

In summary, the 2025/26 Premier League season has seen a clear tactical transformation. Teams like Arsenal, Spurs, and Brentford are thriving by embracing a more direct, chaotic approach, one that emphasizes set pieces, long balls, and rapid transitions. Even Manchester United have enjoyed improved results when adopting this style, as demonstrated in their win at Anfield.

In contrast, reigning champions Liverpool appear to be struggling to adapt. Losses to Brentford and Manchester United have exposed their difficulties against teams employing a more physical, long-ball strategy. Manager Arne Slot has even admitted his side is finding it challenging to cope with this new brand of football.

Whether this shift toward chaos continues and whether it leads to long-term success remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Premier League’s tactical landscape is evolving rapidly, and teams willing to adapt are reaping the rewards.