English football has always had a soft spot for pace. From the long-ball era to the modern game`s intricate pressing systems and rapid transitions, sheer speed remains a potent weapon. While tactics have evolved considerably under global influences, the core value of athleticism, honed on pitches for centuries, is undeniable. And within that broad concept of athleticism, speed stands out – it`s the raw, unadulterated ability to get from point A to point B faster than the opposition.
We appreciate tactical masterclasses, the symphony of passes, and defensive organization. Yet, there’s a primal thrill in watching a player simply outrun their marker, whether it`s a winger bombing down the flank or a forward breaking through the heart of a defence on the counter. It’s a fundamental aspect of the sport that consistently electrifies crowds.
With the 2025-26 Premier League season on the horizon, discussions naturally turn to which teams are best equipped in various departments. A recent analysis, based on average top speeds recorded last season (2024-25) for key attacking players, attempts to rank the division`s frontlines by pace. It`s an interesting exercise, offering a data-driven glimpse into where raw speed might reside next term.
Understanding the Data: A Snapshot with Caveats
The ranking considers the average top speed of three selected attacking players per club from the previous season`s data. While this provides a fascinating snapshot, it`s crucial to approach such data with a dose of reality, perhaps even a hint of dry amusement. Using last season`s statistics to project into the next, especially regarding player composition, is a precise science… or maybe not entirely. The movement of players during the transfer window, or the inclusion of players who had minimal impact the previous season, can skew the picture.
For instance, Mohammed Kudus, listed as contributing to West Ham`s average in the source data, has since moved to Tottenham Hotspur. Similarly, the data includes players like Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal, Wilson Odobert at Tottenham, and Donyell Malen at Aston Villa, who didn`t feature prominently in 2024-25. Conversely, Anthony Elanga`s impact on Nottingham Forest`s average was noted, despite his subsequent move to Newcastle United being factored into *their* ranking. It highlights that these rankings are based on a specific, potentially outdated, combination of data and projected squads.
The League`s Top Sprinters (Based on the Numbers)
Despite the inherent limitations, the data offers a comparative look. Based on the selected trios and their 2024-25 speeds, Manchester City currently leads the pack heading into 2025-26. The combination of Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush, and Jeremy Doku yielded an impressive average top speed of 22.08 mph. With Haaland himself being among the league`s fastest forwards last season, City`s ability to break quickly appears statistically formidable.
Hot on their heels are counter-attacking specialists Brentford. Their trio, featuring Bryan Mbeumo (ranked as the second-fastest attacker last season), Kevin Schade, and Yoane Wissa, clocked an average just 0.01 mph slower than City`s. This reaffirms Brentford`s well-known threat in transition, leveraging speed to devastating effect.
Claiming the third spot are Newcastle United, significantly boosted by the inclusion of Anthony Elanga, who registered the highest top speed among all Premier League attackers last season. Elanga joining Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in Eddie Howe`s projected front three gives the Magpies a statistically rapid attacking unit.
Speed Across the Table
Further down the list, teams known for attacking flair show varying results based on this specific metric. Champions Liverpool are placed ninth, and their average could potentially decrease if Luis Díaz departs. Manchester United came in just ahead of Liverpool in eighth, with the data noting the absence of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho impacted their average speed compared to previous configurations, while Matheus Cunha`s pace factored into their calculation.
Perhaps surprisingly, Aston Villa, known for their quick counter-attacks, were ranked as the fifth-slowest frontline (averaging 21.31 mph) according to this data. It suggests their speed in transition might rely more on collective movement and decision-making than the raw top speed of their statistical front three in 2024-25. At the other end, Nottingham Forest finds themselves with the slowest projected frontline following Elanga`s move. The trio of Chris Wood, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Jota Silva averaged 20.58 mph last season, with Hudson-Odoi noted as the slowest of that specific group.
Conclusion: More Than Just MPH
While these speed rankings provide an intriguing data point and highlight which teams might statistically possess the raw pace to trouble defences, they are far from the complete picture. Football is a complex interplay of speed, skill, tactics, intelligence, and teamwork. A high average top speed for three players doesn`t guarantee goals or success, just as a lower average doesn`t preclude a team from being effective in attack.
Nevertheless, speed remains a vital component, capable of changing games in an instant. As we look ahead to 2025-26, the teams at the top of this list certainly have the raw material to cause problems simply by burning past opponents. It serves as a reminder that for all the tactical sophistication, sometimes, the simplest weapon – pure pace – is still one of the most exciting and effective.
