title: Tier-specific evolution of match performance characteristics in the English Premier League: it's getting tougher at the top.
abstract: This study investigated the evolution of physical and technical performances in the English Premier League (EPL), with special reference to league ranking. Match performance observations (n = 14,700) were collected using a multiple-camera computerised tracking system across seven consecutive EPL seasons (2006-07 to 2012-13). Final league rankings were classified into Tiers: (A) 1st-4th ranking (n = 2519), (B) 5th-8th ranking (n = 2965), (C) 9th-14th ranking (n = 4448) and (D) 15th-20th ranking (n = 4768). Teams in Tier B demonstrated moderate increases in high-intensity running distance while in ball possession from the 2006-07 to 2012-13 season (P < 0.001; effect size [ES]: 0.68), with Tiers A, C and D producing less pronounced increases across the same period (P < 0.005; ES: 0.26, 0.41 and 0.33, respectively). Large increases in sprint distance were observed from the 2006-07 to 2012-13 season for Tier B (P < 0.001; ES: 1.21), while only moderate increases were evident for Tiers A, C and D (P < 0.001; ES: 0.75, 0.97 and 0.84, respectively). Tier B demonstrated large increases in the number of passes performed and received in 2012-13 compared to 2006-07 (P < 0.001; ES: 1.32-1.53) with small-to-moderate increases in Tier A (P < 0.001; ES: 0.30-0.38), Tier C (P < 0.001; ES: 0.46-0.54) and Tier D (P < 0.001; ES: 0.69-0.87). The demarcation line between 4th (bottom of Tier A) and 5th ranking (top of Tier B) in the 2006-07 season was 8 points, but this decreased to just a single point in the 2012-13 season. The data demonstrate that physical and technical performances have evolved more in Tier B than any other Tier in the EPL and could indicate a narrowing of the performance gap between the top two Tiers.
authors.affiliation: a Carnegie School of Sport , Leeds Beckett University , UK.
authors.forename: Paul S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Bradley
authors.affiliation: b Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences , University of Sunderland , UK.
authors.forename: David T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Archer
authors.affiliation: b Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences , University of Sunderland , UK.
authors.forename: Bob
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hogg
authors.affiliation: b Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences , University of Sunderland , UK.
authors.forename: Gabor
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schuth
authors.affiliation: b Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences , University of Sunderland , UK.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bush
authors.affiliation: c LOSC Lille Métropole Football Club , Camphin-en-Pévéle , France.|d Institute of Coaching and Performance , University of Central Lancashire , UK.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carling
authors.affiliation: e Medical Department , West Bromwich Albion Football Club , UK.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barnes
mesh_terms: D056352:Athletes / Q000145:classification*; D054874:Athletic Performance; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D012420:Running; D012916:Soccer
keywords: Longitudinal; football; passing; sprinting; standard