Premier League Sees Resurgence of Long Throw Tactic Across 11 Teams

The Premier League is witnessing a resurgence of the long throw tactic, a style once popularized by teams like Wimbledon's 'Crazy Gang' and Stoke City's Rory Delap, and now being adopted again by clubs like Brentford. This approach, involving high or long throws into opposition penalty areas, is unsettling defenses and contributing to goals, with Brentford notably scoring seven goals from long throw routines in the current season, far more than any other team. Analysis shows a shift away from possession-heavy play towards quicker, more direct passing and route-one tactics, marking a full-circle return to these traditional, physical styles of play. This tactical trend contrasts sharply with the intricate possession-based football championed by Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. The revival of long throws is causing panic among defenders and could lead to a higher frequency of goals resulting from these set-piece situations. Overall, this change reflects evolving strategies in the Premier League, blending old-school physicality with modern athleticism.