Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has explained the growing trend of Premier League rivals adopting a more direct approach to their football.

Statistics show that the number of passes per top flight game have plummeted to a 15-year low as more and more teams opt to play long balls and utilise long throws into the box.

“I think this is a consequence of how it is changing tactically overall in football,” Emery told Sky Sports.

“Football is becoming man-to-man all over the pitch.”

He added: “With teams playing man-to-man, pressing against their direct opponent, even in a medium block, trying to jump man-to-man, we are seeing a lot more of this than last year. It is because teams in England, and in Italy are performing well doing it.

“Here, for example, one team that is being consistent, man-to-man marking all over the pitch, is Newcastle. But as well, others teams, they are adding it now. The result is more duels, less time to pass, and more opportunity to...