As the 2024/25 Premier League season unfolds, fresh tactical innovations are emerging, defining the dynamics of the competition. From evolving corner strategies to changes in goalkeeping styles and pressing trends, these developments are reshaping the beautiful game. Here’s an in-depth analysis of these trends and their impact on the season so far.

A Shift in Corner Strategies

One of the most notable shifts this season is the declining use of outswinging corners. Previously a favored tactic for teams like Liverpool, which capitalized on the aerial prowess of players like Virgil van Dijk, outswingers are being sidelined in favor of inswinging deliveries. Clubs such as Arsenal have excelled at this strategy, using left-footed crosses from the right to drive the ball into the six-yard box with pace and precision.

Statistics back this transformation: 18 out of the 20 Premier League teams have adopted inswingers as their primary corner technique, with only Fulham and West Ham United continuing to favor outswingers. This shift has led to a significant reduction in outswinging corners, down to just 18.8% of all corners this season from 31.4% two years ago.

Interestingly, corners aimed at the six-yard box now account for 42% of all such set-pieces, a noticeable increase from 36% last season. Despite these changes, the number of goals scored directly from corners (27) has decreased, constituting only 11.8% of all goals—the lowest share in eight years.

The Rise of High Pressing

The emphasis on pressing opponents high up the pitch has intensified. Even teams struggling near the bottom of the table, like Ipswich Town, are adopting aggressive pressing strategies. Ipswich ranks among the top five teams for pressures applied in the final third, averaging 58 pressures per 90 minutes.

This trend is reflective of the broader tactical shift in the Premier League, where teams increasingly disrupt their opponents’ attempts to

build play from the back. However, despite the increase in pressing intensity, the success of high turnovers—winning the ball back in advanced areas—has declined. This season sees an average of 14.9 high turnovers per match, compared to 16.7 in previous campaigns, suggesting that players are becoming more adept at resisting pressure and maintaining possession.

Goalkeepers Embracing Short Passing

Another key development is the growing preference among goalkeepers for short passes. Over the past five years, there has been a significant reversal in the distribution patterns of goalkeepers. While long passes accounted for 55.4% of all goalkeeper distributions in the 2021/22 season, this figure has dropped to 45.1% this season. Conversely, short passes now make up 54.9% of their distributions, up from 44.6% three years ago.

This tactical change encourages opponents to press higher, seeking to force turnovers in dangerous areas. Teams like Chelsea, Southampton, and Tottenham Hotspur have embraced this approach, frequently playing out from the back. However, not all teams are as reliant on short passes, with Arsenal and Everton opting for more long passes, playing it safer in their own half.

Decline in Finishing Efficiency

Despite an increase in attacking intent across the league, finishing has been less clinical this season. The total number of goals scored is 11.35 lower than the expected goals (xG) metric, marking a noticeable dip in conversion rates. Only 10.6% of attempts have resulted in goals, the lowest percentage since the 2015/16 season.

This decline in finishing efficiency contrasts sharply with last season, when the league recorded its highest-ever shot conversion rate of 11.9% and a record-breaking 1,246 goals. Additionally, nine teams are currently underperforming relative to their xG, indicating that many forwards are struggling to find their scoring touch.

Fewer Penalties, Less Accuracy

Rule changes implemented at the start of the 2024/25 season have contributed to a sharp drop in penalty awards and conversions. Only 0.17 penalties are being awarded per match on average this season, compared to 0.26 across the previous decade.

Additionally, accuracy from the spot has also decreased. While 90% of penalties were converted last season, only 78.9% of the 19 penalties taken so far this season have found the back of the net. Notably, lofted penalties aimed down the middle have proven particularly successful, suggesting a subtle shift in technique among takers.

More Open-Play Goals Than Ever Before

With set-piece and penalty goals declining, open-play strikes now dominate the goal tally. A record 74.8% of all goals this season have come from open play, compared to the long-term average of 69.6% since 2004/05. This marks the highest share of open-play goals in the competition’s history.

The attacking approach employed by most teams, coupled with longer stoppage times, has also resulted in more matches where both teams score. This has occurred in 64% of matches so far, up from 49% in the 2020/21 season.

Scorelines Reflect Tactical Trends

The most common results this season have been 1-1 and 2-1, occurring in 29% of matches—a significant increase compared to previous seasons. These outcomes highlight the league’s current attacking nature, with teams consistently finding ways to break down defenses while also being vulnerable at the back.

Conclusion

The 2024/25 Premier League season is characterized by innovation and evolution. From the shift to inswinging corners and the rise in high pressing to changes in goalkeeping distribution and open-play dominance, these trends showcase the tactical adaptability of the league’s teams. While some strategies have yet to yield the desired outcomes, they reflect the ever-changing landscape of football, keeping fans and analysts captivated.