Expect to see Premier League teams going longer more often next season
Briefly

Long-ball football has been declining steadily over the years, shifting from its traditional roots of prioritizing long passes to a more nuanced short-passing approach. The evolution in player technicality and tactical innovations has led to dramatic changes in passing styles, with long passes dropping from 19.4% in 2006-07 to just 10.5% now. Despite some preference for safer long balls, particularly among fans wary of defensive risks, teams acknowledge the necessity of long passes at times. Pep Guardiola's success with precise short passing at Manchester City exemplifies this modern trend in football.
Long-ball football has declined sharply over the years, influenced by technical advancements and tactical evolutions in the game that favor shorter, more precise passing instead.
The Premier League era has seen a considerable reduction in long passes, dropping from 19.4% in the 2006-07 season to just 10.5% in the current season.
Despite the general decline of long-ball tactics, there remains a recognition among teams that occasionally playing long can be necessary, even for top clubs like Manchester City.
Fans often demonstrate a preference for avoiding short, dangerous passes in defensive areas, rooted in a mentality that prioritizes safety over risky play, contributing to the decline of long-ball strategies.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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