Distance Covered: Who's Leading the Premier League Race?
A look at the players who are logging the most distance in the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Pascal Gross: The Distance Champion
In the early stages of the 2026/27 Premier League season, Brighton and Hove Albion’s Pascal Gross is not only contributing with key goals and assists but is also setting the standard for distance covered. With an impressive 72.5 kilometers traveled in just six matches, the 35-year-old midfielder is demonstrating exceptional stamina in the heart of Brighton’s midfield.
Close Competitors
Following closely behind Gross is Brentford’s Vitaly Janelt, who has accumulated 71 kilometers. The top ten distance runners include a notable trio from Leeds United, showcasing their high-energy style of play. Among them is James Justin, a defender known for his willingness to join the offensive push, making him a unique presence on this list.
Young Talent on the Move
Another standout performer is Everton’s Harrison Armstrong, a youthful sensation who almost broke the 13-kilometer mark with an outstanding 12.9 kilometers logged during a match against Ipswich Town last month. His explosive pace adds depth to Everton’s squad as they strive for greater success.
Brighton's Composure Under Pressure
In a remarkable display during Matchweek 6, both Gross and teammate Chema Andres covered over 12.6 kilometers each in Brighton’s strategic 2-0 victory over Sunderland. Their remarkable endurance proved crucial as they played with just ten men for over 30 minutes after a red card was issued to Pascal Struijk, highlighting the resilience of the Brighton team.
Mature Experience and Frequent Entries
Gross and Timothy Castagne of Fulham are unique in that they both feature twice on the list of distance covered in a single match, underlining their work ethic and the pivotal role they play for their respective teams.
Team Efforts: Arsenal Leading the Charge
On a larger scale, it is essential to recognize that collective team efforts can also define a match's outcome. Arsenal has led the league with an average distance of 119.36 kilometers per 90 minutes. In a recent fixture against Leeds United, the Gunners ran a staggering total of 122.5 kilometers, marking not only individual skill but also a robust team strategy.
Other Teams Making Strides
Fulham and Brentford have also established themselves as two of the hardest-working clubs this season, both surpassing the 700-kilometer mark in total distance covered. Their commitment to vigorous play emphasizes the importance of physical stamina in achieving success.
The Liverpool Approach
Interestingly, Liverpool exhibits a different strategy; they average about 10 kilometers less per match compared to Arsenal but rank second for the most sprints. This suggests that while their overall distance may be lower, their style favors intense bursts of activity rather than a sustained high tempo.
As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to watch how these numbers evolve and which players and teams maintain their positions as the leaders in effort and distance traveled.
