Obsessed With Possession?

Manchester United are top of the Premier League... when it comes to possession.

Louis van Gaal's side average 59.75 per cent of possession this season. In fact, their 3-3 draw at Newcastle this week was the first time they had less of the ball than their opponents.

That dominance hasn't translated to results, though. United are sixth in the table, with just nine wins from 21 fixtures.

In contrast, second-placed Leicester have the third-lowest possession totals. Claudio Ranieri's side have averaged just 41.18 per cent of possession this term.

Chelsea and Swansea have the biggest negative differences between possession rank and league position so far this season, though.

Only two teams have had more possession than Chelsea, who are languishing in 14th, while Swansea's average possession total of 53.17 per cent belies their lowly standing in the Premier League.

Possession effectiveness

Leicester use their possession better than any other team in the division. The table below shows how many points teams have picked up for every 10 per cent of possession they've had - and the Foxes are clear leaders.

West Ham have also made their limited possession count, ahead of Arsenal, Man City, Crystal Palace and West Brom - the team with the lowest average levels of possession in the Premier League in 2015/16.

Manchester United are top of the Premier League... when it comes to possession.

Indeed, West Brom registered the lowest total of possession by a winning team in the Premier League this season - Tony Pulis' side had just 27.02 per cent of the ball in their 2-1 victory over Arsenal.

Passing positions

The poor correlation between Manchester United's league position and possession rank could be down to where they control the ball. While Van Gaal's side make 60.42 per cent of their passes in the opposition's half, that is just the ninth highest figure in the Premier League.

Credit: Skysports.com