Michael Laudrup’s impressive outfit play more passes than any other English side…
1) Swansea City – 2442 passes
2) Chelsea – 2324 passes
3) Manchester City – 2250 passes
4) Arsenal – 2218 passes
5) Tottenham – 2186 passes
6) Manchester United – 2086 passes
7) Everton – 2018 passes
8) Liverpool – 1855 passes
9) Newcastle – 1746 passes
10) Fulham – 1684 passes
11) Southampton – 1680 passes
12) Stoke City – 1651 passes
13) Hull City – 1537 passes
14) West Brom – 1535 passes
15) Crystal Palace – 1483 passes
16) Norwich – 1467 passes
17) Sunderland – 1360 passes
18) Aston Villa – 1322 passes
19) Cardiff City – 1272 passes
20) West Ham – 1079 passes
Analysis:
– Swansea’s attractive brand of football has seen them play more passes than anyone else in the league. They recently went to Valencia and battered them 3-0 away from home, and now Michu has found his scoring boots, expect Michael Laudrup’s side to make a strong challenge for a Europa League spot this season.
– West Ham play the most direct brand of football in the Premier League under Sam Allardyce. They base their style on long balls up to a lone striker, strong set-pieces, and wingers crossing the ball from deep. It means they will almost definitely avoid relegation, but will not win over any neutrals, either.
-Everton’s playing style is transformed under Roberto Martinez. The Spaniard has got them playing passing football, and they are the only undefeated side in the top division.
-Stoke City are no longer the unattractive, physical side they were under Tony Pulis. Against Arsenal at the weekend, despite losing the match, the Potters had more possession and played more passes than the Premier League contenders.
-Liverpool topped the passing table last season, but this year, Brendan Rodgers’ side have normally taken early leads, and sat back in the second half – allowing the opposition to have the ball. This means seven sides have played more passes than the Reds, who fell to an embarrassing defeat to Southampton at Anfield at the weekend.
– Passing the football more than your opponents, generally leads to wins. Eight of the top ten clubs here are also in the top ten of the actual Premier League table.
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