For a long time, hoofing the ball upfield was linked with lower league teams. However, recent signings like Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres for Arsenal, and Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Erling Haaland, show a shift towards a more direct approach at the top level.
Both teams are now launching more long goal-kicks and looking to progress quickly through ground passing or dribbling. This change reflects a broader tactical evolution influenced by Pep Guardiola’s style, which, although known for short passing and heavy goalkeeper involvement, has adapted in response to the rise of coordinated high pressing.
Traditionally, keepers focused on short passes to retain possession and reduce risk. Since the 2018-19 season, however, long passes from goalkeepers had declined—until this season. The increased effectiveness of high pressing means teams often force opponents to kick long, disrupting their build-up and increasing chances of winning the ball back in dangerous areas.
Data from Opta reveals that teams favouring short passes last season made significantly more errors leading to opposition shots compared to those using long passes. This underlines how pressing pressure has made building out from the back riskier.
Arsenal’s use of goalkeeper David Raya is a key example. Despite dominating possession, 42.1% of Raya’s passes last season were long. Manager Mikel Arteta often instructs Raya to target the right flank from goal-kicks, frequently finding Kai Havertz who drifts wide. This minimises risk against strong pressing and utilises Raya’s kicking and Havertz’s hold-up strengths. Wide target areas also reduce exposure down the middle and often lead to throw-ins, where Arsenal’s pressing game can quickly regain territory high up the pitch.
Manchester City have also increased long passes from goal-kicks but with more attacking intent. In a recent game against Spurs, City lured defenders close to goal before sending a long ball to isolate Haaland against his marker. This avoided congested build-up, lowered risk without Ederson in goal, and allowed City to win second balls through Omar Marmoush’s clever positioning, leading to scoring chances.
Both clubs have traditionally dominated possession and pressed high. Now, they add speed and directness when defences are disorganised, creating unpredictability. Guardiola recently described fast breaks as a weapon this season, wanting to attack quickly after winning the ball but then maintain control through patient passing.
Arsenal have also embraced quicker transitions. Players like Madueke and Gyokeres excel at covering ground, while midfielders’ passing suggests Arteta supports this approach. Although playing direct can risk losing possession, it unsettles opponents and creates space for Arsenal’s strong defenders and attackers.
Matches against Nottingham Forest and Manchester United show Arsenal progressing the ball faster than last season. Their slower approach against Liverpool at Anfield highlights that directness is a tactical choice used selectively, depending on the opponent.
As pressing and low blocks grow more common, managers must innovate. Both teams’ shift towards direct play in transitions aims to turn draws into wins. Using strong shot-stoppers like Donnarumma alongside less risky build-up reflects a changing attitude towards managing risk in modern football.
