"It wasn't that long ago that managers like Sam Allardyce and Tony Pulis were the objects of ridicule for their outdated no-nonsense, long-ball style of football, but it now seems that it's coming back into style after a decade or so of tiki-taka dominance. We've increasingly seen even the great Pep Guardiola defending deeper and making his players play long balls forward to their tall centre-forward Erling Haaland,"
"As pointed out by BBC Sport, there are more and more teams launching the ball straight out of play from kick-off, rather than trying to settle into a rhythm with short passing. Is football borrowing tactics from rugby? As the pundits point out in that BBC video, it seems like this new tactic is taking some inspiration from rugby, with an attempt to force set plays further down the pitch as early as possible."
"Some fans might be wondering if they'd just be better off using Liverugbytickets.co.uk instead of seeing this kind of thing in Premier League football matches, but the logic seems to be that it is a good way to put pressure on opponents early on. Even if it might not seem that dangerous, especially compared to a slick passing move around the penalty area, just hoofing the ball out for a throw-in for your opponents can create some interesting opportunities."
Managers once ridiculed for long-ball tactics, such as Sam Allardyce and Tony Pulis, are seeing elements of their approach return to prominence. Teams including Pep Guardiola's side are defending deeper and playing long balls to tall centre-forwards like Erling Haaland. Many clubs now launch the ball straight out of play from kick-off rather than settling into short passing rhythms. The tactic draws inspiration from rugby by aiming to force set plays further up the pitch early. Forcing throw-ins and contested aerial situations from the outset increases opportunities for high pressing and turnovers deep in the opponent's half.
Read at www.caughtoffside.com
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