The Pitch Points that Are Changing Soccer: Is Liverpool's Title Defence Over?
Long throw-ins have made a surprising resurgence in the Premier League this season, with teams increasingly resorting to launching the ball into the box at every opportunity. The tactic has become a staple of Brentford's high-pressing approach, but it's not just the Bees that are getting in on the act. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur have also employed long throws to great effect.
The statistics back up this trend. According to data, the number of long throw-ins per match has more than doubled from last season, indicating a fundamental shift in the way teams are playing the game. This is particularly concerning for traditionalists like Jamie Carragher, who sees long throw-ins as a low-brow, primitive shortcut to goal that undermines the technical skill required in football.
But what's driving this trend? One key factor is the increasing dominance of pressing teams, which have traditionally focused on high-intensity, ball-based play. In response, opponents are resorting to direct, long-ball tactics to bypass their opponents' presses and create scoring opportunities. Passing has plummeted to a 15-year low in the Premier League this season, and it's no surprise that teams are opting for longer throws instead.
This approach is having a significant impact on Liverpool's title defence. The Reds struggled to cope with Brentford's long-ball tactics at their own community stadium, failing to create scoring opportunities despite dominating possession. The team's problems go beyond just defending against physical opponents; they also lack the balance and cohesion in their attacking third that has been a hallmark of successful teams in recent years.
Mohamed Salah, in particular, was off form against Brentford, and his shadowy display raises questions about the front two system that Liverpool employed. While it's reasonable to assume that the team will turn things around before too long, the question remains whether they can overcome their defensive vulnerabilities and maintain their title challenge.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, the Old Firm is facing a crisis of confidence. Celtic and Rangers have both imploded this season, with Hearts rising to the top of the table to exploit the chaos. Tony Bloom's investment in Hearts has paid off spectacularly, as the Edinburgh club has exposed just how vulnerable the Old Firm are. This is a turning point for Scottish soccer, one that could see new entrants emerge and challenge the traditional power brokers.
In short, long throw-ins are changing the game β but it's too early to say whether this trend will be beneficial or detrimental to the sport we love.
Long throw-ins have made a surprising resurgence in the Premier League this season, with teams increasingly resorting to launching the ball into the box at every opportunity. The tactic has become a staple of Brentford's high-pressing approach, but it's not just the Bees that are getting in on the act. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur have also employed long throws to great effect.
The statistics back up this trend. According to data, the number of long throw-ins per match has more than doubled from last season, indicating a fundamental shift in the way teams are playing the game. This is particularly concerning for traditionalists like Jamie Carragher, who sees long throw-ins as a low-brow, primitive shortcut to goal that undermines the technical skill required in football.
But what's driving this trend? One key factor is the increasing dominance of pressing teams, which have traditionally focused on high-intensity, ball-based play. In response, opponents are resorting to direct, long-ball tactics to bypass their opponents' presses and create scoring opportunities. Passing has plummeted to a 15-year low in the Premier League this season, and it's no surprise that teams are opting for longer throws instead.
This approach is having a significant impact on Liverpool's title defence. The Reds struggled to cope with Brentford's long-ball tactics at their own community stadium, failing to create scoring opportunities despite dominating possession. The team's problems go beyond just defending against physical opponents; they also lack the balance and cohesion in their attacking third that has been a hallmark of successful teams in recent years.
Mohamed Salah, in particular, was off form against Brentford, and his shadowy display raises questions about the front two system that Liverpool employed. While it's reasonable to assume that the team will turn things around before too long, the question remains whether they can overcome their defensive vulnerabilities and maintain their title challenge.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, the Old Firm is facing a crisis of confidence. Celtic and Rangers have both imploded this season, with Hearts rising to the top of the table to exploit the chaos. Tony Bloom's investment in Hearts has paid off spectacularly, as the Edinburgh club has exposed just how vulnerable the Old Firm are. This is a turning point for Scottish soccer, one that could see new entrants emerge and challenge the traditional power brokers.
In short, long throw-ins are changing the game β but it's too early to say whether this trend will be beneficial or detrimental to the sport we love.
. It's interesting that pressing teams have led to a shift towards direct play, and I think this is also what's happening in other sports like basketball 
. The data shows us that there's no one-size-fits-all approach, and it's all about adapting to the opponent's strategy.
. Teams have been using them for years, but now they're just becoming more effective. It's also worth noting that possession-based football can be boring at times 
. As a fan, I want to see exciting matches with goals and drama, not just a bunch of long passes back and forth 
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. And who knows, maybe this crisis of confidence for the Old Firm will lead to some exciting new teams rising through the ranks 
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. I mean, teams are getting desperate to break down opponents' presses, and it's working. But it's also making the game look less pretty, if you know what I mean. I've seen some of these matches where there's not much action on the pitch other than long throws and headers 
οΈ. It's like they're resorting to a more physical way of playing rather than developing their technical skills.
. Will we be missing out on that magic in a few years? Only time will tell 
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i dont know about the title defence tho - maybe they'll bounce back 
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... remember when a long throw was just a lazy tactic? Now it seems like teams are using 'em all over the place! 
Liverpool's title defence is a worry - they just can't seem to create scoring chances when teams are using these long throws. And what's happened to Celtic and Rangers? They're just not competing like they used to. 
. While some might view long throw-ins as unsophisticated, I believe they offer a legitimate tactical response to the increased emphasis on high-intensity pressing.
. The Old Firm's crisis of confidence presents an opportunity for new entrants to emerge and challenge the traditional power brokers. While it's hard to predict the future, I'm curious to see how Scottish soccer navigates this turning point 
. Anyway, can't wait to see how this plays out β will the beauty of long throw-ins be lost on us or will they become an integral part of the game? 
their long throws r so effective at bypassing opponents and catching them off guard 
i think its gonna be a wild ride in the premier league this season with more teams trying out this tactic 
but at the same time, i feel for liverpool struggling to cope with brentford's high ball press 
they need to get their attack back on track ASAP or else they'll be left behind 
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. Long throw-ins might win you a few games, but they're not a substitute for real skill and teamwork. Liverpool's struggles are a perfect example of this - they've got the talent, but they need to work together better as a team. And what's with all these teams relying on physical opponents to do the hard work? It's like they think passing is overrated 
. The Old Firm has fallen apart, and Hearts are taking advantage of it. I'm not surprised though - they've been building up steam all season. This could be the perfect opportunity for new teams to emerge and shake things up. It's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out 
. Bring on the drama! 
! Brentford's approach is all about chaos and physicality, and it's working for them! Liverpool needs to take notes and adapt their gameplan ASAP or risk getting left behind. 
And can we talk about how the Old Firm is in shambles? This could be a golden opportunity for new teams to rise up and shake things off 