Is Premier League possession football on way out?

What the report says

BBC Sport Football reports that Premier League possession-heavy teams have been winning less often this season, raising questions about whether the old idea of dominating the ball is losing ground. In the opening 50 league matches, sides with at least 60% possession had won 36.4% of games, down from 53.5% in 2023-24. The article argues, however, that possession alone does not tell the full story, because teams may have less of the ball after taking an early lead.

The piece uses Chelsea as an example of how direct, transition-based football can be effective. Under Xabi Alonso, Chelsea beat Fulham and Brighton while having less possession, then drew with Hull and lost to Brentford in matches where they had more of the ball. BBC Sport says Chelsea’s low-possession wins showed how fast attacks and counter-attacks can suit certain players, especially against opponents that want to control the ball.

The report also points to broader tactical changes across the league, including more man-to-man pressing and a greater reliance on long passes, ball carries and one-on-one duels. It says teams such as Arsenal and Manchester City still show that possession can work when squads have enough technical quality and multiple solutions in tight spaces. The overall message is that success now depends less on possession for its own sake and more on whether a team’s style matches its players and makes opponents uncomfortable.