This season, the English Premier League has seen a shift as the number of passes in matches has hit a 15-year low, with teams adopting a more direct style of play and long throw-ins gaining popularity. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery attributes this change to tactical evolutions in football, noting that more teams are employing man-to-man marking across the pitch, leading to more duels and less time for passing. Emery observes that this trend is also evident in other European leagues like Italy and Spain, with teams such as Roma and Atalanta adopting similar tactics. In the Premier League, the game is faster and more direct, with even title contenders like Arsenal using long throw-ins. Emery believes that the style of refereeing in England, which allows more physical contact, supports this approach. Despite the challenges, Aston Villa has adapted well, securing four consecutive wins across all competitions and aiming for European competition qualification for the fourth consecutive year. Emery emphasizes that consistency is key to success in the Premier League.