The first Premier League weekend is nearly complete – with just one match left to play – but the running stats are already telling a story. Thanks to Sofascore’s new Running Performance feature, fans can now track how much ground players cover in each match, bringing important new insights to every performance. There are three most important metrics inside Running Performance analysis:
- Total distance covered (in kilometers)
- Top speed reached (in km/h)
- Number of sprints during the match
These numbers give a better view of a player’s work rate and movement on the pitch. It’s one of the most requested updates on the Sofascore platform, and it adds more depth to how football matches are analysed and followed.
Here are some interesting stats from Premier League Matchday 1
Top distance runners and fastest players
The first Premier League weekend (with one more match still to be played on Monday evening) delivered standout running performances. Based on Sofascore’s Running Performance data, Nico González from Manchester City covered the most ground with 12.7 km, followed by Ayari and Munetsi with 12.0 km each. Defenders like Rúben Dias (11.5 km), Trippier, Doherty, and Aït-Nouri also made the list of top runners.
In the top speed category, William Osula and Wilson Odobert were the fastest of the weekend, both reaching 34.2 km/h, with Jeremie Frimpong close behind at 33.7 km/h. These stats give a better look at which players are showing top-level work rate and pace early in the season.
Arsenal’s engine
Another key highlight from the Premier League’s opening weekend came in Arsenal’s 1–0 win over Manchester United. One of the reasons behind this important derby victory was the work rate of Arsenal’s midfield. According to Sofascore’s Running Performance data, both Martín Zubimendi and Martin Ødegaard covered 11.5 km, while Declan Rice added 10.1 km to help control the middle of the pitch. Their ability to cover ground and press high was crucial in keeping United quiet and securing a strong start to the season.
Premier League season opener: Running performance highlights from Liverpool’s 4–2 win
Sofascore’s new Running Performance stats also reveal which players stood out physically during Liverpool’s 4–2 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League season opener, on Friday.
Marcus Tavernier covered the most ground with 11.9 km, just ahead of Dominik Szoboszlai (11.8 km) and Florian Wirtz (11.4 km).
In terms of sprints, David Brooks led with 27, followed by Adrien Truffert (25) and Szoboszlai again with 23.
The highest top speed recorded came from Jeremie Frimpong, who reached 33.4 km/h, with Antoine Semenyo (32.7 km/h) and Federico Chiesa (32.4 km/h) close behind.
These running stats highlight the intensity of modern football – now fully trackable on the Sofascore platform.
A New Way to Watch Football
With the new season underway, Running Performance metrics are already proving their value. Tracking distance covered, top speed, and number of sprints helps fans, players, analysts and coaches understand the physical side of the game like never before.
And this is just the beginning. While the Premier League is leading the way, Sofascore will soon bring these key stats to more leagues around the world, giving a full picture of the running effort across global football.