The flanks have always been a source of threat
The flanks have always been a source of threat
We are now at the conclusion of the 10th matchday of the Premier League, which means that one-third of the season’s matches (2025-2026) have been played. The data we have so far provides insight into how things are evolving.
One of these trends is the revival of long throws from the sidelines. In the past, this tactic enjoyed significant success, with the strongest players from each team taking the throws and turning a simple throw-in into a corner, posing a real threat to opposing defenses. This season, however, the trend has soared.
The sharp rise
The sharp rise
The flanks have always represented a means of threat, though not the main one. Today, according to official Premier League data, up to the 9th matchday, all 20 clubs have attempted at least three long throws from 20 meters or more away from the opponent’s area.
According to the metrics, this has resulted in an average of 3.99 long throws per game—a staggering 162% increase compared to the 1.52 per 90 minutes recorded last season (2024-2025). Even more impressive is the fact that this season, we have already seen more such throws than in the entire Covid-19 pandemic season (2020-2021).
Which teams have become… masters
Which teams have become… masters
It is widely known that Arsenal has hired a specialist coach for set-pieces, which has paid off, as Mikel Arteta’s team scores more from corners than any other club. Yet the “art” of long throws seems to belong to the so-called “smaller” clubs in the league.
For example, Brentford currently (stats up to the 9th matchday) tops the list with the most throws into the opponent’s area, with 47. Michael Kayode, Mathias Jensen, and Kevin Schade are the main architects under Keith Andrews, while Crystal Palace (38), Sunderland (33), and Bournemouth (30) are close behind.
This trend is also present in London, with Tottenham recording 27 throws and Arsenal 22. In contrast, Liverpool (4), Chelsea (3), and Manchester City (3) have so far avoided incorporating it into their philosophy.
Is there a real threat from long throws?
Is there a real threat from long throws?
Now we get to the heart of the matter. Do long, powerful throws actually pose a threat to defenses? The answer is clear: yes. And this is confirmed by the data from the world’s top league. Crystal Palace has managed to create a scoring opportunity (shot, header, or other threat) in 18 out of 38 throw-ins, with an xG of 2.03.
Brentford has generated one fewer chance (17), while Sunderland (11) and Bournemouth (10) have reached double digits, with expected goals of 1.53 (Brentford, Sunderland) and 0.99 (Bournemouth) respectively. When you can create even one clear scoring opportunity from a throw-in—as Bournemouth have—or two, as in Oliver Glasner’s team, the method clearly carries threat.
Threat, yes, but also “wasted” time
Threat, yes, but also “wasted” time
All the above notwithstanding, this new trend has also led to a reduction in actual playing time. To set up an effective throw-in, teams spend a lot of time preparing. From adjusting or cleaning the ball (to prevent slipping) to building momentum and executing a powerful throw, the seconds “lost” have increased significantly.
Specifically, in the August 30 match between Tottenham and Bournemouth (0-1), the hosts spent almost 11 full minutes of the game on throw-ins (10:54), averaging 26.2 seconds per throw. This is not an isolated incident, as Thomas Frank’s side repeated it in October (19/10) against Aston Villa, taking 10:40 to return the ball from the sidelines.
The second team to exceed ten minutes is Brentford (10:35), while Arsenal needed nearly 9.5 minutes (9:28) in their match against Newcastle, searching for the optimal setup.
They say the end justifies the means, and this applies to throw-ins, with clubs “wasting” time to potentially increase the threat. Fans pay to watch the spectacle, yet often see the ball in the players’ hands while coaching staff give instructions.
