Football is often called “the beautiful game” for a reason. While it is typically played with precision and meticulous attention to detail, the fast-paced and high-intensity nature of the Premier League occasionally disrupts that pattern.
With the current season of England’s top flight now past its halfway point, the competition is heating up. Whether teams are chasing a top-four finish or battling to avoid relegation, the stakes are rising. This has led to an increase in fouls—but which team has been the most aggressive? Using data from StatMuse and the Premier League’s official records, here’s a look at the teams with the highest foul counts.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are known for their controlled, possession-based style, which is reflected in their disciplinary record. They have committed the fewest fouls in the league so far, tallying just 175—only slightly fewer than Brentford’s 183.
Despite having Joelinton, the league’s fourth-most frequent fouler, in midfield, Newcastle United sit 18th in the overall rankings with 246 fouls—just eight fewer than an in-form Nottingham Forest.
Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur are close in the league table, separated by just three points at the time of writing, and their approach to fouling is similarly tight. Spurs have committed only three more fouls than Palace this season.
Fulham (263 fouls) and Leicester City (267) have also maintained a relatively low profile, focusing on their football rather than resorting to excessive physicality. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s turbulent season under Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim has not translated into a more aggressive playing style—they have committed 268 fouls, just one fewer than Arsenal.
Everton have undergone significant changes this season, from their managerial shifts to the transition from Goodison Park to Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium. Their scrappy, hard-fighting approach—particularly under former manager Sean Dyche—has been evident. They rank 10th in the league for fouls, with midfielders Abdoulaye Doucoure (36) and Idrissa Gueye (34) leading their count. Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also contributed, registering 27 fouls. Whether their physical style will help them avoid relegation remains uncertain.
At West Ham United, experienced manager Graham Potter has taken over following Julen Lopetegui’s departure, with survival now the main priority. A combative style may be crucial in their fight to stay up. As expected, Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez have played a key role in tactical fouling, accumulating 31 and 29 fouls, respectively. The Hammers have never shied away from a physical contest, and this season has been no exception.
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