What is counter-attacking football? How it works, origins and examples

A counter-attack is a key component in the DNA of football tactics and is one of the sport's most common strategies, utilised around the world in matches at all levels.

We've broken down what a counter-attack is, how it is implemented and the history behind the concept.

What is a counter-attack?

A counter-attack is a fast and direct attack with the intention of creating a goalscoring opportunity before the opposition can recover their defensive shape.

Counter-attacks are initiated when a team regains possession in the defensive half, typically in a central region, before swiftly transitioning into an attack.

While there is no right or wrong way to execute a counter-attack, they tend to consist of minimal passes in order to exploit the space afforded by the opposition as quickly as possible.

Teams will look to counter-attack in situations where they're preserving a lead or facing superior opposition who will dominate possession.

Who founded counter-attacking?

There are conflicting reports on who was the first coach to implement a counter-attacking style, however the origins of the counter-attack can be found dating back to the early 1900s.

Herbert Chapman, one of football's great innovators, was credited with the implementation of a counter-attacking style during his first managerial role with Northampton Town between 1907 to 1912.

Later in his managerial career with Arsenal, Chapman sampled a 3-2-2-3 formation - otherwise known as the 'WM' shape - which encouraged a counter-attacking style and proved to be hugely successful as the Gunners won two First Division titles and the FA Cup.

Karl Rappan, who managed Servette FC in the 1930s, has been regarded as a counter-attacking pioneer, with the Austrian tactician introducing a system which saw his team preserve a compact, defensive shape to lure opponents forward before punishing them on the counter attack.

Which teams have used counter-attacks?

The counter-attack was often a method attributed to inferior sides and hailed as one of football's great levellers.

However, in the modern game we've witnessed an increasing number of top teams utilise the counter-attack. Unlike in the decades gone by where counter-attacks were spontaneous, the formula is more elaboratively planned.

In 2024/25, the team who has scored the most counter-attacking goals in the Premier League is leaders Liverpool. Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most decorated managers in history, has frequently deployed a counter-attack whilst at Real Madrid, the world's greatest football institution.

Former Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho once said: “If you don’t play counter-attack, then it’s because you are stupid.”

Famous counter-attack examples

Cristiano Ronaldo - Arsenal v Manchester United - 5th May 2009, UEFA Champions League

Leading 2-0 away at the Emirates Stadium in the UEFA Champions League semi-final, Manchester United were coming under increasing pressure from Arsenal when a clearance fell to the feet of Cristiano Ronaldo.

A delightful backheel from the Portuguese sensation initiated a rapid counter-attack and sent Ji-Sung Park hurtling forward through the middle of the pitch, who then found Wayne Rooney in acres of space on the left flank.

With Arsenal left horrendously exposed and defenders sprinting back to avert the danger, Rooney played the ball across the 18-yard box to Ronaldo, who finished the counter-attack he instigated with a lofted finish over Manuel Almunia.

Mohamed Salah - Liverpool v Everton - 13th February 2023, Premier League

The stakes are always high in a Merseyside derby and Liverpool breathed a huge sigh of relief when James Tarkowski's header hit the post.

Everton recycled and Dwight McNeil attempted an effort at his goal, but his strike was cleared into the path of Darwin Nunez inside Liverpool's own 18-yard box and the hosts were able to scamper away on the counter-attack.

The Uruguayan played a neat one-two with Mohamed Salah before sprinting forward at breathtaking speed and with three players in support, Nunez picked out the run of Salah who slotted beyond the stricken Jordan Pickford.

Who has scored the most counter-attacking goals in the Premier League?

Since the 2006/07 season, when Opta began to collect additional data including goal methods, Tottenham Hotspur have scored the most counter-attacking goals in the Premier League with 104.

They're followed by Liverpool on 100, with local rivals Manchester City and Manchester United perched third and fourth with 94 and 91 counter-attacking goals respectively.