Kick Off Innovation: AFC Bournemouth vs Newcastle United

This Premier League season has seen a growing trend: teams adopting a far more direct style from set plays. While long throw-ins have already drawn attention as a disruptive weapon, we’re now witnessing equally inventive approaches from kick-off routines, designed not only to gain territory but also an opportunity to inflict immediate pressure.

The recent fixture between AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United provided two fascinating examples. A few years ago, these methods might have been written off as crude or old-fashioned. However, in today’s game, where high pressing systems and transitional moments are so highly valued, these routines carry far more sophistication than they might initially suggest

50 Set Play Goals

Buy Now

AFC Bournemouth Kick-Off

Bournemouth began the match with Evanilson rolling the ball back to Alex Scott in the centre circle. Scott juggled the ball before launching a volleyed pass high into the space behind Newcastle United’s defensive line. Bournemouth’s front four surged forward to contest the second ball, aiming to pin Newcastle back immediately.

Although Nick Pope gathered the ball safely, the trajectory of the ball created a brief moment of uncertainty for Newcastle’s centre-backs. This was a low-risk, potentially high-reward routine designed to catch Newcastle’s back-line by surprise. 

Newcastle United Kick-Off

Newcastle United’s restart at the beginning of the second half was also unconventional. From kick-off, Sandro Tonali deliberately drove the ball deep into touch on the left flank. Newcastle had preloaded players on that side, many of whom made their runs before the whistle had blown, allowing them to gain an advantage and get into position early to press aggressively from the resulting throw-in.

The method had a distinctly Rugby feel to it, forcing Bournemouth to play out under immediate pressure. Interestingly, this approach has also been used by multiple teams across Europe this season, including PSG, highlighting its growing adoption at the top level.

Manager Eddie Howe reportedly explained that the inspiration for this routine came during pre-season against Atlético Madrid, when his side found this tactic difficult to counter. Since then, Newcastle have built it into their set play repertoire as a way of dictating territory and tempo from the first touch.

Why These Kick-Off Routines Matter

Both examples highlight how Premier League set play tactics continue to evolve. These kick-offs are not simply about launching the ball long, they are preplanned strategies designed to deny the opponent a comfortable build-up while creating opportunities to press high up the pitch.

Crucially, kick-offs provide a unique tactical landscape. With all players confined to their own half, teams like Bournemouth and Newcastle can exploit this restriction by initiating a high press before the opponent has even touched the ball. 

Coaches Eddie Howe and Andoni Iraola are well known for their commitment to aggressive, high-intensity football out of possession. Their teams’ rankings last season for pressures in the opposition half underline that philosophy, one now being extended to the very first kick of the game.

Conclusion

The kick-off, once viewed as a mere formality, is now emerging as a valuable tactical weapon. Bournemouth and Newcastle’s routines show how modern coaches are rethinking set plays, blending directness with pressing principles to seize control from the outset.

As the season progresses, we may well see more teams adopting creative kick-off routines as part of their wider set play strategy. What once looked basic now reflects the fine margins and innovation that define elite football.