As the 2024 season of American football’s NFL graces our screens with its exciting new ‘Dynamic Kick-off’ regulations, the Premier League in the UK is not far behind in the realm of innovative tactics and strategies when it comes to kick-offs. The art of how a team begins play has evolved over time, with even the most skilled players opting for classic long-ball tactics reminiscent of the game’s roots. In this blog post, we delve into the kick-off routines of the top six teams from last season’s Premier League – Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea.

Manchester City: A Masterclass in Control and Precision

When it comes to kick-off routines, Manchester City, under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, exemplify control and off-ball movement. Their kick-offs involve short, intricate passes along with strategic player positioning to retain possession and maintain pressure on the opposition.

For instance, in their game against Chelsea, City deployed a setup that saw Kevin De Bruyne passing back to goalkeeper Ederson. The ball was then launched towards Erling Haaland on the right, initiating a swift attacking move that culminated in City pressing high up the pitch.

At The Athletic, we have meticulously analyzed the various kick-off routines employed by Manchester City over the course of the season, shedding light on their strategic nuances.

Arsenal: Precision Passing and Tactical Fluidity

Arsenal’s kick-off routines have been characterized by a blend of precision passing and tactical fluidity. With goalkeeper David Raya often being the conduit for their offensive play, Arsenal seeks to transition quickly into attack by utilizing quick passes and player movements.

Whether it’s passing back to Raya and surging towards the flanks or leaving central areas open for exploitation, Arsenal’s kick-off routines highlight their tactical ingenuity on the pitch.

Liverpool: High Line and Positional Interchanges

Under the guidance of head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool’s kick-off strategies have emphasized a high defensive line and positional interchanges among players. By employing a setup that mirrors Arsenal’s approach, Liverpool aims to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm and create attacking opportunities right from kick-off.

Arne Slot’s tactical acumen has been on full display in Liverpool’s kick-off routines, showcasing a seamless blend of Jurgen Klopp’s vision and Slot’s strategic tweaks.

Aston Villa: Forward Momentum and Defensive Control

Aston Villa’s kick-off routines exemplify forward momentum and defensive control, with a strong emphasis on retaining possession and baiting the opposition’s press. By starting matches off with a forward and utilizing midfield interchanges, Villa aims to establish early dominance on the pitch.

Unai Emery’s meticulous approach to kick-offs at Aston Villa showcases a strategic mix of offensive intent and defensive solidity, providing fans with a nuanced view of Villa’s tactical prowess.

Tottenham Hotspur: Width and Aggression

Tottenham Hotspur’s kick-off setup stands out for its width and aggression, as they seek to exploit the wide areas and capitalize on attacking opportunities from the get-go. With a focus on streaming men forward and compressing the opposition’s defensive shape, Tottenham’s kick-off routines epitomize Ange Postecoglou’s high-risk, high-energy brand of football.

Ange Postecoglou’s innovative approach to kick-offs at Tottenham showcases the club’s commitment to dynamic attacking play and strategic fluidity on the pitch.

Chelsea: Precision Passing and Strategic Adjustments

Under new head coach Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s kick-off approach has seen a shift towards precision passing and strategic adjustments. By entrusting kick-off duties to Nicolas Jackson and deploying a mix of wide positioning and central presence, Chelsea aims to retain control and dictate play right from the first whistle.

Enzo Maresca’s innovative kick-off tactics at Chelsea underscore the club’s commitment to strategic evolution and tactical adaptability in the Premier League.

While we’ve focused on the kick-off routines of the top six teams from last season’s Premier League in this article, there’s a wealth of tactical insights waiting to be uncovered across the league. Whether you’re a fan of Bournemouth, Brighton, Newcastle, or Manchester United, analyzing your team’s kick-off approach can provide valuable insights into their playing style and strategic nuances.

At The Athletic, we’re dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of football tactics and strategies, offering fans a deeper understanding of the beautiful game.