Long throw-ins: Which Premier League teams are kings of the long throw?
The long throw tactic, once primarily associated with Tony Pulis's Stoke City, has gained traction across the Premier League, with 12 goals already scored from throw-in routines in the early stages of the 2025-26 season. Brentford's Michael Kayode has emerged as a standout, executing 54 long throws in just 11 games, significantly contributing to the team's offensive strategies. Meanwhile, teams like Sunderland are experimenting with tactics such as repositioning advertising boards to impact opponents' throw-in effectiveness. As the season progresses, the role of long throws in goal-scoring and tactical plays continues to evolve, prompting teams to refine their approaches. The focus now shifts to how these strategies will unfold in coming matches.
Dive Deeper:
Michael Kayode, playing for Brentford, has taken 54 long throws in 11 games this season, averaging a throw length of 33.2 meters, the highest in the league. His longest throw reached 38.5 meters against Fulham, while teammate Mathias Jensen recorded a throw of 45.4 meters.
Last season, a total of 20 goals were scored from throw-in routines across the league, and this season, just 11 rounds in, 12 goals have already been scored from similar efforts, indicating a rising effectiveness of the tactic.
While Brentford leads in throw-related stats, Wolverhampton's Rodrigo Gomes holds the record for the longest throw this season at 46.1 meters, although he has not consistently utilized this tactic, attempting only seven long throws in four games.
Sunderland's strategy of moving advertising boards closer to the pitch during games, especially against teams known for their long throws, aims to limit the run-up space for throwers, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
The average length of throws at Sunderland's Stadium of Light has shown variability, peaking at 28.6 meters against Arsenal, suggesting that while some tactical adjustments may not directly influence throw distance, they can impact the overall strategy of both teams.