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The best part of the Premier League is that there is never a clear favorite. Each team has an equal chance. The underdogs are arguably the strongest in England's top-flight football compared to any other league in the world. The same goes for why the Premier League boasts such a big fan following.
The 2021-22 season has been no different and we have witnessed another crazy season so far this year. From the cutthroat competition in the top half of the table to minnows putting up stellar shows, EPL is leaving no stone unturned this term.
Even though not always with a win, many teams have left us amazed with their playing style, notably, possession football.
Hence, in this article, let's take a look at
Top 5 Premier League clubs with the highest average possession this season
#5 Brighton — 57.2%
Brighton's form so far this season hasn't been just luck. After eight games, the Seagulls have put up convincing performances on a consistent level. They currently sit in 4th position in the Premier League table.
Graham Potter and his men have eased past some of the toughest teams within the league already. They defeated in-form Leicester City 2-1 this season.
Having lost just one game (vs Everton) so far, Brighton are yet to face the 'Big Six', except for Arsenal, where they drew 0-0. Although the club had a stand-out player in Neal Maupay, it has been mostly an all-round performance from Brighton. The Seagulls boast an average possession of 57.2%.
Ironically, Brighton won the game in which they held the least possession (37% vs Leicester) and lost where they had the most possession (66% vs Everton).
#4 Leeds United — 58.5%
Leeds United have been lingering around the relegation zone for quite some time now. They currently sit in 17th positions in the Premier League table. They have managed to win just one game so far this year while losing four and drawing level thrice. Despite not getting the desired results, Leeds have managed to keep possession of the ball for the majority of the period.
The Peacocks have managed to maintain 58.5% possession overall. This means the team will have to work more around getting the ball past the opponents' goal line. Leeds had a nightmarish start to the season after having lost 1-5 at Old Trafford. Surprisingly, they ended the game with 52% possession.
Marcelo Bielsa and his men are doing their best to get away from the dreaded relegation zone. Let's see if they can replicate their brilliance in possession in finding the results too.
#3 Manchester United — 59.5%
Manchester United were the most looked-upon team before the season kicked off this year. Having lost their star value in the recent past, the Red Devils entered the latest Premier League season with some firepower in their bag.
Signing Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and the man Cristiano Ronaldo himself during the summer transfer window boosted the club and its faithful's confidence. However, after registering a strong start to the campaign, Ole's men can be seen struggling with their form right now. They have lost two of their last three matches.
United sit sixth in the league table as of now and face injury woes in what could be their most challenging month. Amidst all the contingencies, the Red Devils have something to boast about. Their brilliance in dominating possession. Manchester United has an average possession of 59.5%.
With Cristiano Ronaldo, a lethal finisher, upfront, Ole Gunnar can relax about his team's comeback. The club has huge backing from its supporters and are known for their fightback spirit.
#2 Liverpool — 61.1%
The Merseysiders seem all set to regain their title. Jurgen Klopp's men look as hungry as ever and the same could be seen in their performances as well. Liverpool are the only team who are yet to taste a defeat this season.
Considering Mohamed Salah's form alongside his team-mates, it's going to be a mammoth task for any team to defeat Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp is a master tactician and his methods have been proven. The former Dortmund manager deploys each of his players during an attack and thus maintains constant pressure on the opposition.
Liverpool have barely lost sight of the ball and they have been consistent in maintaining about 61.1% of possession so far this season.
#1 Manchester City — 64.6%
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City have barely kept a foot wrong and they have been doing this for quite some time now. Having dominated the Premier League for the last decade, the Sky Blues are just getting stronger each year.
Boasting unmatchable squad depth, Manchester City have set a benchmark in almost every department for other teams to follow. With 64.6% average possession, Cityzens are the best team within the Premier League, in terms of holding the ball.
The former Barcelona boss has implemented the tiki-taka style of football at the Etihad. With the amount of individual talent housed within Manchester City, it just gets difficult for the opposition to dispossess them.
