Overview

• Passes per Premier League match have fallen to a 15-year low, with teams playing quicker and more directly, according to Sky Sports’ analysis.
• Emery identifies widespread man-to-man pressing as a key driver of more duels and less time on the ball, citing Newcastle as a consistent practitioner and Gian Piero Gasperini’s teams as influences.
• Long throws and elaborate set-piece routines are spreading across the league, with Brentford among the early adopters, Arsenal now using them, and Villa deploying the tactic at times, including via Matty Cash.
• He argues English officiating permits more contact around goalkeepers and centre-backs than in other European leagues, reinforcing physical, direct tactics.
• Villa have strung together four straight wins in all competitions as Emery prioritizes consistency and European qualification, with Emiliano Martínez leading the league in time in possession since last season.