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Premier League's long-throw revival: How Brentford's Kayode leads a tactical shift in 2025-26
The long throw-in, once synonymous with Tony Pulis' Stoke City, has reemerged as a potent weapon across the Premier League, with 12 goals already scored from such routines in the 2025-26 season-nearly matching last season's total of 20. Data reveals a sharp rise in throw-in distances, with the average length jumping from 16.7m in 2024-25 to 18.6m this campaign, inching closer to Opta's 20m threshold for classification as a "long throw."
Brentford's Kayode dominates the stats
Brentford's Michael Kayode stands out as the league's most prolific long-throw specialist, unleashing 54 throws into the penalty area in just 11 starts this season. His average distance of 33.2m leads the league, surpassing Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall (30.6m). Since joining from Fiorentina in January-where he logged 23 long throws in 2023-24-Kayode has become Brentford's primary set-piece asset, contributing to three goals this season (Carvalho v Chelsea, Ouattara v Liverpool, Schade v Newcastle).
While Kayode's longest throw (38.5m at Fulham) is impressive, teammate Mathias Jensen holds the club record this season with a 45.4m effort at Nottingham Forest. Brentford's dominance extends beyond individual feats: they've recorded the longest throws at five of the six grounds they've visited, underscoring their systematic approach under manager Keith Andrews, a former set-piece coach.
Club-by-club disparities and stadium tactics
Not all teams rely on the long throw. Chelsea and Manchester City have no player with more than one such attempt, while Brighton and Liverpool max out at two. In contrast, Sunderland's Nordi Mukiele (46 throws) and Crystal Palace's Chris Richards (29) rank among the league's top practitioners. Burnley, Bournemouth, Leeds, and Everton also deploy the tactic frequently, though Wolves-despite Rodrigo Gomes' league-record 46.1m throw-rarely utilize it, averaging the shortest distances into the final third.
Stadium dimensions show minimal impact on throw lengths. While Anfield, Craven Cottage, Selhurst Park, and Stamford Bridge fall slightly below standard pitch sizes (105x68m), technique appears more decisive. Sunderland's recent adjustment-moving advertising boards closer to the touchline to limit run-up space-highlights tactical innovation. Though the Premier League permits such changes (provided boards remain at least 1m from the sidelines), the move reduced Arsenal's throw-in attempts to five in their visit, compared to 10+ by Wolves and Everton in prior matches.
"Changing board placement is a grey area, like not watering the pitch against technical teams," said throw-in coach Thomas Gronnemark, who trained Jensen and Mukiele. "If you're facing long-throw experts, narrowing their run-in weakens the weapon-even if top throwers adapt."
Thomas Gronnemark, FC Midtjylland throw-in coach (via BBC Sport)
Why the resurgence?
The tactic's revival stems from its efficiency: 12 goals in 11 rounds this season prove its value. Brentford's success-five throw-in goals in 2024-25 and three already this term-demonstrates how specialized coaching (Gronnemark's influence lingers) and player recruitment (Kayode's signing) can exploit a once-underappreciated set piece. As Gronnemark notes, "It's a weapon," and teams are increasingly refining it-whether by optimizing run-ups or, like Sunderland, disrupting opponents' rhythm.
Key figures (2025-26 season)
- Longest throw: Rodrigo Gomes (Wolves) - 46.1m
- Most throws (player): Michael Kayode (Brentford) - 54
- Top clubs by throw-in goals: Brentford (3), Crystal Palace (3), Burnley (2)
- Average throw distance (league): 18.6m (up from 16.7m in 2024-25)
