Arsenal’s 36-Pass Masterpiece vs Manchester City Tops the List
The Premier League has seen some breathtaking team goals this season, with intricate passing moves that break down defenses and leave fans in awe. One of the standout moments came in Arsenal’s dominant 5-1 victory over Manchester City, where Ethan Nwaneri finished off an incredible 36-pass sequence—the longest uninterrupted passing move leading to a goal in the 2024-25 Premier League season.
But how does this stunning goal compare to other lengthy passing sequences that resulted in goals? Let’s take a closer look at the longest open-play passing moves that led to goals in the English Premier League (EPL) 2024-25 campaign.
- Ethan Nwaneri – Arsenal vs Manchester City (2 February 2025)
✅ 36 passes | 10 players involved | 1 minute 58 seconds
Arsenal’s fifth and final goal in their emphatic 5-1 win over Man City at the Emirates was a thing of beauty. The Gunners strung together 36 consecutive passes before Ethan Nwaneri calmly slotted the ball home in injury time.
The sequence involved all 10 outfield players, keeping Manchester City chasing shadows for almost two minutes. To make things even worse for Pep Guardiola’s side, the final whistle blew immediately after the goal, meaning they never touched the ball again.
This was the longest passing move leading to a Premier League goal since September 2023, when Manchester City themselves scored after a 46-pass sequence against Nottingham Forest.
- Jhon Durán – Aston Villa vs Everton (14 September 2024)
✅ 27 passes | 8 players involved | 1 minute 28 seconds
Aston Villa produced one of the best team goals of the season in their thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Everton at Goodison Park. Jhon Durán, who had just come off the bench, completed a stunning 27-pass sequence by firing a long-range strike past Jordan Pickford.
Villa’s precise passing move broke down Everton’s defense before Durán decided to take matters into his own hands, smashing home a brilliant goal.
- Nicolas Jackson – Chelsea vs West Ham (21 September 2024)
✅ 26 passes | 9 players involved | 1 minute 24 seconds
Chelsea’s 3-0 win against West Ham featured a goal that highlighted their fluid attacking play. Nicolas Jackson doubled Chelsea’s lead after a 26-pass move, finishing off a smooth buildup orchestrated by Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández.
This goal was a perfect example of Mauricio Pochettino’s possession-based philosophy, as Chelsea controlled the tempo before slicing through West Ham’s defense.
- Rodrigo Muniz – Fulham vs Manchester City (5 October 2024)
✅ 24 passes | 10 players involved | 1 minute 10 seconds
Despite Fulham losing 3-2 to Manchester City, Rodrigo Muniz scored one of the most well-worked goals of the season. His 24-pass team goal was a product of patient build-up play, involving 10 different Fulham players.
Muniz was assisted by Reiss Nelson, who had also come off the bench just minutes earlier. This goal showcased Fulham’s commitment to playing attacking football, even against top opposition.
- Adama Traoré – Fulham vs Ipswich (31 August 2024)
✅ 23 passes | 10 players involved | 1 minute
Another Fulham masterclass in possession-based football came against Ipswich Town, with Adama Traoré finishing off a 23-pass move.
The Cottagers constantly switched play to stretch the Ipswich defense before Antonee Robinson’s pinpoint cross found Traoré, who slotted home with a first-time finish.
- Erling Haaland – Manchester City vs Crystal Palace (7 December 2024)
✅ 23 passes | 9 players involved | 1 minute 21 seconds
Manchester City have made long passing moves their trademark, and Erling Haaland was the beneficiary of one such move in their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.
Haaland scored with a powerful header after a 23-pass build-up, showcasing City’s patience and precision in breaking down deep defenses.
Why Long Passing Sequences Matter in the Premier League
These long passing sequences leading to goals highlight the tactical evolution of the Premier League in 2024-25. The ability to retain possession, break down defensive blocks, and create high-quality chances is a hallmark of the best teams in the EPL.
Clubs like Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Aston Villa have embraced this style of play, creating some of the most memorable team goals this season.
Which team goal has impressed you the most this season? Share your thoughts in the comments!