The Premier League's goalless draws have reached record levels this season, with 17 matches ending 0-0. The trend has been fueled by a decrease in goals, with the total number of goals scored in the league so far this season being lower than the previous campaign.
According to Opta, there were 49 goalless games in the top flight during the 1998-99 season, but since then, the number has only increased twice. The last two seasons featured the fewest goalless draws in Premier League history. The current rate of 7.7% is the highest it has been since 2020-21.
Crystal Palace and Newcastle United have played in the most 0-0 draws this season, with four each. In fact, both teams have already had more goalless draws this season than in the whole of last season.
So why are goalless draws on the rise? One reason is the reduction in goals, which has led to fewer shots and an increase in long balls being played by teams. According to Opta, there were 24.4 shots per game in the Premier League last season, but this has dropped to 7.8 this season.
Another factor is the change in playing style, with teams becoming more direct and patient in their approach. While some may argue that watching two teams cancel each other out is as fascinating as an eight-goal thriller, it's clear that many fans want to see goals scored.
The solution may lie in coaches adapting their tactics to take into account the decrease in goals. With football trends going in cycles, perhaps we will soon see a change in playing style and an increase in goals scored.
For now, however, goalless draws remain a feature of the Premier League landscape, with many fans left feeling disappointed by the lack of action on the pitch.
According to Opta, there were 49 goalless games in the top flight during the 1998-99 season, but since then, the number has only increased twice. The last two seasons featured the fewest goalless draws in Premier League history. The current rate of 7.7% is the highest it has been since 2020-21.
Crystal Palace and Newcastle United have played in the most 0-0 draws this season, with four each. In fact, both teams have already had more goalless draws this season than in the whole of last season.
So why are goalless draws on the rise? One reason is the reduction in goals, which has led to fewer shots and an increase in long balls being played by teams. According to Opta, there were 24.4 shots per game in the Premier League last season, but this has dropped to 7.8 this season.
Another factor is the change in playing style, with teams becoming more direct and patient in their approach. While some may argue that watching two teams cancel each other out is as fascinating as an eight-goal thriller, it's clear that many fans want to see goals scored.
The solution may lie in coaches adapting their tactics to take into account the decrease in goals. With football trends going in cycles, perhaps we will soon see a change in playing style and an increase in goals scored.
For now, however, goalless draws remain a feature of the Premier League landscape, with many fans left feeling disappointed by the lack of action on the pitch.
. I mean, I get it, teams are playing more direct and patient, but that's just not as exciting for us fans! 
We want to see some goals scored, you know? Like, what's the point of watching a match if nothing's going to happen on the pitch? 
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. And don't even get me started on how boring it is for viewers who aren't following their favorite team closely. I think coaches need to shake things up and try some new tactics to make these matches more compelling again 
. I mean, back in my day (you know what I'm talking about 
), we were always used to goals galore, not these 0-0 draws that are all the rage now. And yeah, teams have gotten more direct, but it's like they're playing less football and just kicking it long 
. It's just not as exciting as watching some real footballers do their thing 
it feels like they're playing with their footsies instead of actually trying to beat the other team. i remember watching old premier league games and there was always so much excitement and goals scored, now its all just 0-0 draw after 0-0 draw... 
. And it's not just me, I've been talking to friends and family about this too, we're all feeling the same way - let's get some goals in already! 
Maybe coaches need to rethink their strategies and try something new 
! Nowadays, it's all just a bunch of long balls and teams playing it safe 
. Don't get me wrong, I love a good stalemate every now and then, but when they're happening at this rate 
. The numbers don't lie - 7.8 shots per game this season is a significant drop from last year's 24.4 
. It's also worth noting that fans often crave excitement, and while watching two teams cancel each other out might be aesthetically pleasing to some, it can leave others feeling underwhelmed 
. Ultimately, coaches will need to adapt their tactics to accommodate this new landscape, or we may witness a change in playing styles and an increase in goals scored 
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but for me it's just not that exciting 
.
. We need more creativity, more flair 
! And maybe, just maybe, we'll see an increase in goals scored soon 
. Until then, I'm just gonna sit here and watch some highlight reels from last season's thrillers 
.
!
I swear I've seen more interesting stuff in a Sunday league match 
I swear it's like teams are just holding back now 
. And don't even get me started on the long balls, it's so not sexy 
. Maybe they should just change their coach or something 
. Take Crystal Palace and Newcastle United, they're basically perfect with their draw-heavy games. Meanwhile, the fans are left feeling like they're stuck in a time loop... or should I say, a goalless season loop 
. I swear, if coaches can't find a way to break out of this rut, we're gonna be stuck with boring games for years to come