Premier League substitution impact : Analyzing top clubs’ bench usage and effectiveness

As the Premier League season races towards its climax, managers are increasingly turning to their benches to influence matches. The 2024-25 campaign has seen a fascinating shift in how teams utilize their substitutions, with some clubs reaping significant rewards from their tactical changes. This analysis delves into the impact of substitutions across the league, highlighting which teams are making the most of their bench and how it’s shaping the title race.

In Short

Substitution strategies: who’s leading the pack?

Brighton & Hove Albion, under the guidance of Fabian Hurzeler, have emerged as the league’s most prolific users of substitutions. Averaging an impressive 4.8 changes per game, Hurzeler has utilized 130 out of a possible 135 substitutions. This approach mirrors that of his predecessor, Roberto de Zerbi, showcasing a club philosophy that values squad rotation and tactical flexibility.

The Seagulls’ strategy is particularly noteworthy given their success in the transfer market. As one of Europe’s biggest spenders in the summer of 2024, Brighton has amassed a wealth of attacking talent. This depth allows Hurzeler to consistently refresh his forward line, often making all five substitutions in 80% of matches. The majority of these changes occur late in games, with fresh wingers sent on to challenge tiring defenders.

Interestingly, two clubs fighting relegation – Southampton and Ipswich Town – rank among the top five for substitution frequency. Both teams frequently find themselves trailing, prompting early changes, often at halftime or shortly after. This reactive approach highlights the desperate measures taken by struggling sides to alter the course of matches.

The conservative approach: top teams and their substitution habits

In stark contrast to Brighton’s substitution frenzy, Manchester City and Chelsea have adopted a more conservative approach. Pep Guardiola, known for his tactical acumen, has surprisingly maintained his reluctance to make changes despite City’s uncharacteristic struggles this season. Averaging just 3.3 substitutions per match, Guardiola’s stubbornness mirrors his approach from the previous title-winning campaign.

Chelsea, under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, has followed a similar pattern. Despite boasting a large squad and experiencing a poor run of form, Maresca has shown a reluctance to deviate from his preferred tactical setup and personnel. This steadfast approach, reminiscent of Guardiola’s philosophy, suggests a focus on long-term team building rather than short-term results.

Everton stands out as the team making the fewest substitutions in the league. This conservative approach can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a lack of depth in the squad and the pragmatic style of former manager Sean Dyche. With the most draws in the league, Everton’s substitutions have often been made to secure a point rather than chase victory, reflecting the limited resources at their disposal.

Impact players: substitutes making a difference

While the frequency of substitutions is telling, their effectiveness is equally crucial. Bournemouth has emerged as the surprise leader in goals scored by substitutes, with four different players each netting twice off the bench. Andoni Iraola’s high-intensity pressing style has benefited greatly from fresh legs, with substitutes often injecting new energy into the Cherries’ attack.

Fulham’s Marco Silva has also reaped the rewards of effective substitutions, with 11 goals coming from his bench. The dynamic duo of Rodrigo Muniz and Harry Wilson have been particularly prolific, contributing eight goals between them as substitutes. This impact has been crucial in Fulham’s push for European qualification.

Arsenal’s substitutes have also made significant contributions, albeit without a single goal from a center-forward replacement. This statistic underlines the Gunners’ need for a clinical striker, a weakness that could prove costly in their title challenge. In contrast, Liverpool’s “super-sub” strikers Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez have netted five crucial goals off the bench, highlighting the depth and quality at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal.

On February 15, 2025, Steve Cooper set a Premier League record for the most efficient use of substitutes, with 16% of Leicester City’s goals coming from replacements. This remarkable statistic showcases Cooper’s ability to read games and make impactful changes, a skill that has been crucial in Leicester’s push for promotion back to the top flight.

Analyzing the data: trends and implications

The correlation between proactive substitution strategies and late-game impact is becoming increasingly evident. Teams willing to take risks by making multiple changes are more likely to affect the outcome of matches in the closing stages. This trend has contributed to the fiercely competitive nature of the Premier League, with the gap between elite clubs and their challengers narrowing.

Newcastle United’s case is particularly intriguing. Despite having scored just two goals through substitutes, Eddie Howe’s side has gained the most points from losing positions in the league. This suggests that Newcastle’s changes are more focused on solidifying the midfield and defense rather than adding attacking impetus. The effectiveness of this approach raises questions about the traditional emphasis on offensive substitutions.

The data also highlights potential squad depth issues at certain clubs. Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town’s limited impact from substitutes suggests a over-reliance on their starting eleven. As the season progresses, this lack of depth could prove costly, particularly for teams battling relegation or pushing for European spots.

As the Premier League enters its final stretch, the impact of substitutions could prove decisive in determining the champions, European qualifiers, and relegated teams. Managers who can effectively utilize their bench and make game-changing substitutions may well hold the key to success in this most unpredictable of seasons.