Scottish Premiership early data shows rise in passing and accuracy
Early-season statistics indicate a stylistic shift in the Scottish Premiership, with more passing, higher accuracy and fewer long balls, though goals per game are down.
Early-season data from the Scottish Premiership suggests a shift toward a more possession-based style, with passes per game rising to 886—an increase of 58 on last season and up from 795 five years ago, according to Opta. Passing accuracy has also climbed to 81%, a significant jump from 73% in 2023-24, while the share of long passes has fallen to 13%, its lowest level in five years.
The trend has been influenced by the success of Motherwell and Falkirk last season. Under Jens Berthel Askou and John McGlynn, both clubs finished in the top half—Motherwell fourth and Falkirk sixth—using expansive football on modest budgets, leading to increased attendances and transfer income. Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin said Askou, now head coach at Toulouse, inspired him to change his approach after more than 15 years in Scottish football.
Several teams have adopted the style. Dundee United's average possession has risen from 42% to 50%, and their accurate passes per match have jumped from 219 to 320. Similar shifts are evident at St Mirren under Craig McLeish and Kilmarnock under Neil McCann. Celtic and Motherwell lead the possession chart at 61%. The promotion of St Johnstone and the recent appointment of Dutch head coach Marink Reedijk at Hibernian add to the trend.
Not all metrics point upward. Goals per game are at 2.5, the lowest since 2021-22, but shots per match have increased to 28.6, the highest in five seasons. Efforts from outside the box are threatening a new low, reflecting a broader emphasis on high-quality chances over speculative attempts.
Supporters are divided. Some welcome the more progressive play, while others prefer quick, direct attacks and lament the decline of individual long-range strikes. As one view puts it, attractive football is subjective; for many fans, entertainment comes in different forms. The early data points to a potential transformation, but with only seven matches played, the sample remains small.
