Premier League: Liverpool face the most long balls in 2025/26 as Slot’s frustrations grow

In a season where possession football seems to be fading away, Premier League teams have increasingly resorted to the direct, old-school tactic of long balls. Arne Slot’s Liverpool have become the biggest victims of this approach, as opposition sides continually look to bypass their pressing game by going long. With Sky Sports data revealing how many long balls each team has faced, the numbers tell a fascinating story about the tactical trends shaping English football in 2025/26.

20. Burnley (360)

Life back in the Premier League has proven difficult for Burnley under Scott Parker. The Clarets’ opponents rarely need to go long, instead finding success by cutting through their open defensive lines. Having faced just 360 long balls, Burnley’s problems lie more in their inability to keep possession and deal with pressure. Their low figure reflects how easily teams are finding other routes to goal, and it shows just how much work Parker has ahead of him.

19. Aston Villa (390)

Aston Villa sit near the bottom of this list, having faced only 390 long balls so far. Despite Unai Emery’s emphasis on control and structure, their opponents prefer to play through rather than over them. However, that hasn’t stopped Villa from looking vulnerable, as defensive lapses continue to cost them. Emery will be pleased his team isn’t being bombarded from the skies, but the numbers mask underlying issues with their consistency.

18. West Ham United (393)

The Hammers are struggling under a new era of uncertainty, with just one win from nine games. Having faced 393 long balls, teams are slicing through their midfield rather than relying on long passes. That speaks volumes about their lack of defensive stability and organisation. Unless West Ham can tighten up and rediscover their identity, they risk being dragged into another relegation battle.

Read also: Where England’s 2017 U17 World Cup winners are now: from Foden to forgotten names

17. Chelsea (412)

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea have faced 412 long balls, an interesting statistic considering their high possession style. Opponents tend to press aggressively instead of sitting deep and lumping it forward. Still, the Blues’ defensive frailty means even short, direct play can trouble them. Maresca’s project is still taking shape, but the numbers show that Chelsea are not yet a side that commands fear in the Premier League.

16. Nottingham Forest (421)

Nottingham Forest continue to hover around the lower reaches of the table, having faced 421 long balls. It’s an indicator that teams don’t necessarily see them as a side worth targeting with route-one tactics. However, Forest’s defensive record suggests they’re not coping well with any style of attack. Their fight to avoid the drop will depend on rediscovering the resilience that defined their earlier Premier League survival bids.

15. Brentford (424)

Without Thomas Frank at the helm, Brentford’s identity has shifted this season. Opponents have fired 424 long balls against them, but it’s the Bees’ lack of defensive compactness that’s causing real concern. In the past, they thrived in aerial duels, but that confidence has waned. Brentford’s transition period under new leadership could prove costly if they fail to rediscover their old defensive edge.

14. Leeds United (430)

Back in the top flight under Daniel Farke, Leeds have faced 430 long balls. Their energetic, high-pressing approach has earned them respect, with opponents often forced into different methods. However, their open defensive transitions remain an issue. Farke’s side must learn to manage games better if they want to stay clear of the relegation zone.

Read also: Brits abroad: Abraham falters, Vardy reignites and Bellingham shines brightest

13. Fulham (430)

Fulham’s compact shape under Marco Silva has meant opponents don’t often resort to long-ball tactics, with 430 faced so far. Still, their inconsistency remains a major problem. They’ve struggled to find a balance between attack and defence, leaving them vulnerable in both directions. If they can stabilise defensively, they could once again push for a comfortable mid-table finish.

12. Tottenham Hotspur (435)

Tottenham, last season’s Europa League winners, have faced 435 long balls. Despite their attacking flair, teams are testing their defensive line with direct play more than expected. Ange Postecoglou’s attacking setup leaves space behind, and opposition sides are exploiting it. Spurs remain a threat going forward, but their backline needs to show greater discipline to maintain their top-four hopes.

11. Everton (443)

David Moyes’ return to Everton has brought some steel, but the team still face their fair share of direct football. The Toffees have been hit with 443 long balls this campaign, yet their defensive resilience has shown signs of improvement. Moyes’ pragmatic approach has made them tougher to break down, even if results have been mixed. With time, Everton could transform those solid foundations into a more consistent run of form.

10. Crystal Palace (447)

Crystal Palace have been one of the surprises of the season under Oliver Glasner. Having faced 447 long balls, the Eagles have handled direct play impressively. Their defensive shape remains one of the best in the league, allowing them to maintain an unbeaten run that only recently ended. Glasner’s influence has been transformative, bringing stability and belief back to Selhurst Park.

Read also: The World's Top Goal Scorers of 2024 - Ranked

9. Sunderland (448)

Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable. Regis Le Bris has instilled confidence and structure into a young squad, and the fact they’ve only faced 448 long balls speaks to the respect they’ve earned. Teams have found it difficult to break them down through the air. With their disciplined approach, the Black Cats are proving they belong among the elite once again.

8. Manchester United (452)

Under Ruben Amorim, Manchester United are both using and facing long balls regularly. The Red Devils have been on the receiving end of 452, but their bigger concern lies in consistency. Amorim’s side are adapting to a more direct Premier League, where chaos and second balls often decide games. The statistics reflect a club still finding its identity in a transitional season.

7. Wolverhampton Wanderers (452)

Wolves share United’s tally with 452 long balls faced, which may come as a surprise given their low league position. Despite their struggles, opponents still resort to bypassing their midfield rather than exploiting it directly. However, their inability to deal with aerial threats has cost them dearly in key matches. Unless their defence tightens up, Wolves risk spending the rest of the season fighting for survival.

6. Arsenal (471)

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have become one of the toughest teams to play through, forcing opponents to go long. The Gunners have faced 471 long balls, showing how much respect their midfield dominance commands. Their solid defensive core continues to frustrate teams, who often find themselves resorting to hopeful punts. Arsenal’s control and discipline remain hallmarks of a side aiming for another title challenge.

Read also: Premier League suspensions tracker: Who's out, who's close (2025/26)

5. Brighton & Hove Albion (475)

Brighton’s technical, high-possession approach means teams often look to disrupt them with direct play. Having faced 475 long balls, Roberto De Zerbi’s men have learned to cope with aerial pressure. Their ability to stay composed and recycle possession quickly makes them one of the most well-drilled teams in the league. Brighton’s numbers reflect their evolution into a side that can handle any tactical challenge.

4. Manchester City (479)

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have faced 479 long balls, a testament to how opponents attempt to bypass their pressing lines. Despite their dominance in possession, teams often go long to avoid turnovers in dangerous areas. City’s defensive awareness and goalkeeper distribution allow them to neutralise most threats effectively. Guardiola’s men remain a benchmark for controlling games even in a league trending toward direct play.

3. Newcastle United (496)

Newcastle’s physicality and midfield power make them one of the hardest teams to break down. Even so, they’ve faced 496 long balls as opponents try to exploit the spaces behind their full-backs. Eddie Howe’s system encourages bravery, but it can sometimes leave vulnerabilities. Their ability to win aerial duels remains a strength, but defensive lapses have prevented them from challenging for the top spots.

2. Bournemouth (525)

Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth continue to impress, even as opponents bombard them with long balls. The Cherries have faced 525, a clear sign of the respect they’ve earned for their organisation and intensity. Teams often see no other option but to go direct, yet Bournemouth’s backline has stood firm. Iraola’s tactical evolution is turning them into genuine European contenders.

Read also: The greatest German footballers of all time - ranked

1. Liverpool (571)

Arne Slot’s Liverpool have faced a staggering 571 long balls, more than any other side in the league. It’s a clear sign that teams are targeting them with direct tactics, looking to bypass their high press and exploit gaps in transition. Slot has voiced his frustration, admitting his side haven’t yet found an answer to this growing trend. As the season progresses, Liverpool must adapt quickly if they are to defend their Premier League crown.