Defence-Splitting Through Balls: Alternative Premier League Table Analysis

The analysis of the Premier League has revealed a fascinating focus on the effectiveness of defence-splitting through balls during the 2025-26 season. This alternative perspective sheds light on the creative capabilities of clubs as they adapt to the physical style prevalent in recent years.

Through Balls: An Overview

In the current season, teams have averaged 3.5 through balls per 90 minutes across the first 200 matches. This statistic marks a significant rise, placing it joint-top with previous seasons, notably 2023-24. Through balls are crucial passes meant to breach defensive lines, supporting offensive plays that can lead to goal-scoring opportunities.

Top Performers in Through Balls

• Manchester City: With 73 attempts and 42 successful through balls, they lead the league in both categories.
• Arsenal: The Gunners have attempted 71 through balls, with only 22 finding their targets.
• Everton: This season has seen them increase their attempts to 1.9 per 90, resulting in five goals from such plays.
• Tottenham Hotspur: Struggling creatively, Spurs have made only nine attempts this season.
• Nottingham Forest: They rank low, completing only six through balls, yet three resulted in goals.
• Brentford: Despite limited attempts, four of their through balls have led to goals.

Club-by-Club Breakdown

Manchester City

City is excelling with an average of 3.7 through balls attempted and 2.1 completed per match, both their highest since the 2018-19 season. Jeremy Doku has emerged as a key player, completing seven of ten attempts this season, significantly improving their attacking efficiency.

Arsenal

While Arsenal has been aggressive, their 1.1 successful through balls per 90 ranks 16th in the league. The creative tactics employed with midfield runners aim to disrupt tightly packed defenses.

Everton

With new signings like Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Everton has adapted to incorporate more through balls into their strategy. Dewsbury-Hall leads with seven attempted through balls this season.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham has struggled with creativity, ranking low in both big chances created and key passes due to the absence of key players James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. Their reliance on fewer through balls has hindered their offensive productivity.

Nottingham Forest and Brentford

Forest’s attempt to move the ball forward has been limited, but they have capitalized on a few opportunities, scoring from three of their successful through balls. Meanwhile, Brentford has shown capable execution of through balls during counterattacks, although their overall attempts have resulted in fewer shots.

Conclusion

The data on league efficiency in executing defence-splitting through balls highlights the varying strategies teams utilize throughout the 2025-26 Premier League season. Manchester City’s dominance and Everton’s improvement reflect a tactical shift towards creating opportunities through incisive passing as teams adapt to the evolving game.