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Pep Guardiola’s record-low possession against Arsenal highlights a Premier League style shift- Between the Lines | Football News

Published

10 months ago

September 23, 2025

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Pep Guardiola faced accusations of parking the bus in Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

City’s 33.2 per cent share of possession was the lowest from a Guardiola team in his entire top-flight career in management. There was even the uncharacteristic sight of him switching to a back five in the second half as City tried to grind out the win.

Guardiola put it down to the quality of their opponent, saying Arsenal forced them to go on the defensive. But did it also say something about how their style is changing?

Between the Lines, a new Sky Sports strand breaking down the data behind football’s biggest stories, returns with a look at City’s tactical evolution and the Premier League’s shift towards directness.

How Pep is adapting his principles

Sunday’s game was an extreme example but it was not the first this season in which City have had a lower share of possession than their opponent. In fact, following last weekend’s win over Manchester United, in which City had 45.3 per cent of the ball, it has happened as many times in five games as in the whole of last term.

City’s possession leapt over the 70 per cent-mark following Guardiola’s appointment in 2016 but this season’s average of 52 per cent represents a significant drop from previous levels as he puts more emphasis on direct play and counters, typified by Erling Haaland’s blistering opener at the Emirates Stadium.

Haaland is thriving with more counter-attacking opportunities. He has scored a goal from a fast break in each of City’s last three Premier League games, against Wolves and Manchester United as well as Arsenal. He is already up to seven goals in all competitions.

In addition to recording more than twice as many fast breaks per game as last season, City are making more long passes and winning more aerial duels. It is still a relatively small sample size, five games in, but there has been a notable dip in their numbers for build-up attacks and passing sequences at the same time.

Their numbers for high turnovers have also dropped dramatically, suggesting they are less committed to pressing high up the pitch as well as building up from the back with short passes.

“For the last six, seven, eight years, we’ve just seen them dominate possession,” said Sky Sports‘ Gary Neville. “When they were at their absolute best, you knew they’d be 1-0 up but they’d have 70, 80 per cent of the ball and the other team would be chasing shadows.

“This is a completely different Manchester City; it’s a complete turnaround. It’s a 180 to see him do that in the final parts of the game. There are a lot of questions asked of managers. Do they adapt? Are they agile enough to change things in games?

“Guardiola never really changed his way of playing before. It was almost as if to say everyone has to adapt to what I’m doing, and everybody copied him for years and years, playing out from the back, but he’s moved on beyond that now. They are certainly a lot more physical, a lot more direct, and less football than they used to be.”

The adjustments are linked to the rising physical intensity of the Premier League and its players, something Guardiola said contributed to his decision to start using centre-backs at full-back during City’s treble-winning campaign. But they are also tied to personnel, with City having undergone a rebuild over the last year.

Guardiola is trying to play to the strengths of new signings such as Tijjani Reijnders. Like Haaland, whose goal he set up on Sunday, the Dutch international carries a huge threat in transition.

There has been an even more significant change in goal, where Ederson has made way for Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Ederson’s outstanding long passing ability became a dangerous weapon for City but he mostly played the ball short. Donnarumma is different. Against Arsenal on Sunday, he sent 21 of his 27 passes long having sent 19 out of 30 long in City’s previous Premier League game against Manchester United.

City’s display on Sunday showed a greater willingness to defend but, from back to front, the way they attack is changing too.

Is Pep inspiring change… again?

Recent history tells us that when Guardiola adapts his style, other managers usually follow. Sure enough, the changes to City’s approach are being mirrored up and down the Premier League.

Or, at least, most of them are. Interestingly, fast breaks are actually down from last season according to Opta’s advanced metrics. But the data mostly corresponds with City’s otherwise, depicting an overall shift towards a more direct style of play.

Build-up attacks, passing sequences, and high turnovers are all down from last season as a growing number of sides embrace more direct passing, mostly aimed towards out-and-out No 9s, who have come roaring back into fashion, as a route to goal.

City have Haaland but other clubs sought to bring in their own versions at considerable expense this summer, among them Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade, Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Manchester United’s Benjamin Sesko.

Expect Guardiola to continue leading the evolution.

He transformed English football with the introduction of his possession-based playing style following his appointment at City as playing out from the back became ubiquitous. Nine years on, it seems he is changing the game again.

Which club’s styles have changed most?

Nottingham Forest have undergone a stylistic transformation comparable to Manchester City’s evolution under new head coach Ange Postecoglou.

Last season, Forest ranked at or near the bottom across a range of pressing and possession-based metrics. However, they have surged into the top half for those same stats under the Australian.

West Ham’s waning press could be contributing to the pressure ramping up on Graham Potter, while Brentford’s style appears to be akin to Forest’s approach under Nuno Espirito Santo. Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s style is almost identical to last season.

Manchester United are among numerous teams that appear to be pressing less high up the pitch but switching to a more direct style, attempting more long balls and winning more headers instead.

You can use the interactive radar below to select a team and see how their playing style this season compares with last campaign…

Read last week’s Between the Lines

Is Ruben Amorim’s system doomed to fail at Manchester United? We looked at why his 3-4-2-1 set-up is not working and revealed data showing how formations have evolved in the Premier League.

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Aston Villa Prepare ‘Attractive Offer’ For Record-Breaking Martinez Replacement

Published

9 minutes ago

July 21, 2026

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Aston Villa could have a new face between the sticks next season amid speculation linking Emiliano Martinez with an exit.

Juventus are one of the clubs reportedly keen on signing Martinez, who has been Unai Emery’s number one throughout his reign. The veteran Argentine’s future will be sorted out now that the World Cup has concluded.

Several names have been talked up as potential replacements for the 33-year-old as the Villans anticipate another big-name departure. Youri Tielemans has headed to Manchester United while Morgan Rogers is on the brink of completing a move to Chelsea.

Aston Villa ‘intensify negotiations’ for Atubolu

Villa could turn to Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu, although the German goalkeeper is in high demand. Fussballdaten reports that the West Midlands outfit face competition from Bournemouth, Inter Milan and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Atubolu is a familiar face as he endured a difficult night in last season’s Europa League final against Emery’s side. He picked the ball out of the net three times as the Villans beat the Bundesliga club 3-0.

It must be said that the 24-year-old wasn’t helped out by his defence, and he’d otherwise enjoyed a fine season. With 12 clean sheets in 50 games and some eye-catching performances, his stock has grown, with the Bundesliga website praising his efforts.

Freiburg are believed to value Atubolu, praised for his ‘lightning’ reflexes at around £21.2million to £25.5million and they might view this as the opportune time to cash in. He has just one year remaining on his contract and a move to Villa Park is a real possibility.

Villa are expected to make an “attractive offer” for the German after already intensifying negotiations. They believe he has the tools to be an ideal fit in Emery’s squad, although it’s unclear whether he’s viewed as a first or second-choice shot-stopper.

The two clubs have recently done business which could help aid a pursuit. Johan Manzambi has replaced Rogers in a deal worth around £60m.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Why Villa might be cautious over Atubolu

Replacing Martinez will have to happen sooner rather than later and Villa are already heading into a new era with a new-look team. Atubolu has performed well at Freiburg and could be a viable option to replace the Argentine.

Atubolu has made a name for himself in the Bundesliga, including breaking the record for the most penalties saved in a row. He stopped five spot-kicks, which could be enticing for Emery as he bids to win silverware.

That said, a lack of Premier League experience is always a concern when moving for a goalkeeper from abroad. There’s a tad bit of risk involved as some can’t handle the physicality and constant high balls.

Atubolu isn’t the only name to be linked with Villa, as Parma’s Zion Suzuki is reportedly also on Emery’s shortlist. The Japanese shot-stopper has just come off an impressive World Cup campaign and is tipped for a bright future.

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‘Looked at’ – Laurie Whitwell Shares Update on Man Utd Interest in Lewis Hall

Published

33 minutes ago

July 21, 2026

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Laurie Whitwell has given an update on Manchester United‘s transfer plans and particularly whether they will move for a new left-back.

The Red Devils have been linked with Newcastle United‘s Lewis Hall, who could be Luke Shaw’s long-term replacement. Reports claim that the Englishman prefers a move to Old Trafford over a return to Chelsea.

Newcastle are expected to play hardball over Hall after selling Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon for around £170 million. The Magpies don’t want to sell the 21-year-old and are reportedly demanding £80m given he still has three years left on his contract.

Man Utd Stance on Hall Revealed

While United admire Hall, there is a chance that they don’t make a move for the young full-back. Michael Carrick has several versatile players in his squad, which could mean he heads into next season without the arrival of a new left-back

That’s what Whitwell suggested in The Athletic‘s Deal Sheet: “As well as left-wing options, United have looked at potential left-backs, with people at the club liking Newcastle’s Lewis Hall. But Rashford’s return and Dorgu’s position have an impact there, while Leny Yoro was deployed at right-back in Helsinki, possibly raising the prospect of Noussair Mazraoui switching to an option at left-back, where he played for Morocco.”

Patrick Dorgu arrived at United under Ruben Amorim and was deployed as the left wing-back before moving to the left wing under Carrick. He could be used as a makeshift left-back if Shaw needs to be rotated.

It appears that Carrick’s coaching staff also view Noussair Mazraoui as an option, which might not be too enthusing for fans. While the Moroccan has proven to be useful since joining from Bayern Munich, he has blown hot and cold.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Man Utd Must Go All Out For Hall

Man Utd manager Michael Carrick looks on vs Leeds

United are focused right now on signing a third new midfielder following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. AS Roma’s Manu Kone is at the top of their wishlist amid reports suggesting they could make a £47m offer for the Frenchman.

Once a third midfield signing is made, the transfer chiefs will turn their attention to other areas of Carrick’s squad. That includes left-back, where they should do all they can to land Hall.

Shaw is now 31 and, despite playing every league game last season, will eventually need replacing. Hall is the ideal heir as he possesses a similar profile and can take the position from his compatriot.

United should be backing Carrick with a squad that can compete for major trophies, and this is the kind of deal you get sorted. Even if it means paying a hefty fee, it is a signing that sorts out the left-back position for potentially the next five or more years.

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What Lionel Messi Said to Lamine Yamal After Final

Published

57 minutes ago

July 21, 2026

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Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi could be seen embracing after the 2026 World Cup final, in a moment that represented a passing of the torch.

The greatest footballer of all time was unable to drag his Argentina team across the line again, just as he had in the 2022 final. Meanwhile, Yamal, 19, was part of Spain’s dominant side that steamrolled every opponent they encountered.

He’s largely viewed as the heir to Messi’s throne, especially as a Barcelona superstar at such a young age. Messi’s brilliance at 39 years old, scoring eight goals and registering four assists, wasn’t enough to seal back-to-back World Cup titles.

Following the full-time whistle, Yamal headed straight over to the Argentina icon, who sat heartbroken on the turf at MetLife Stadium.

What Lionel Messi Said to Lamine Yamal After World Cup Final

Much of the attention was drawn to the post-match meltdown, which saw Nicolas Otamendi furiously confront Rodri, Leandro Paredes throw Gavi to the floor and an Argentine coach punch Dani Olmo.

However, cameras naturally drifted towards Messi, who more than likely bowed out of international football with a loss on the biggest stage. He looked like a broken man as he sat on the ground, avoiding all the post-match drama.

Yamal immediately made his way over to Messi, who he helped up off the ground before hugging. The pair shared words, which the Spanish forward has now revealed.

Per the Metro, Yamal said: “He’s the greatest player in history and someone I’ve always looked up to. After the match, I wanted to show him my respect.

“He told me to keep following my path and that the future belongs to our generation. Those words are worth as much as the gold medal hanging around my neck.

“If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d be here lifting the World Cup after playing against Lionel Messi, I would have thought they were crazy.”

Getting Messi’s seal of approval and recognition would have been music to Yamal’s ears. The teenage sensation has now won the European Championship and World Cup with Spain.

Messi’s Statement on ‘Immense Pain’ After Final Defeat

Argentina's Lionel Messi looks dejected after losing the World Cup final

Almost 24 hours after the disappointing defeat, Messi took to social media to express how hurt he felt after failing to add a fourth star to Argentina’s badge. “The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things,” his statement read.

He added: “The matches we turned around by giving it our all – moments that will remain in our memories forever – and the support of an entire country which, combined with this group’s hard work and effort, brought us back among the world’s elite once again.

“It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine. I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship.”

Statistics are courtesy of FIFA. Correct as of 21-07-26.