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We all know that fouls are used to break up play and to disrupt the rhythm of a team and you'd think the team with the arguably the most talented squad in the Premier League in Manchester City would be fouled the most. However, if you thought that you'd be wrong.

Manchester City may be top of the table and performing at the top level, but in terms of where they rank for the average fouls per game this season may surprise you.

The league leaders, unbelievably, rank rock bottom of the fouled per game table who are fouled an average of 7.9 times per game. Considering the fire power the have all over the pitch one would have thought this figure to have been higher.

But, this is a testament to how City play the game, moving the ball with such pace and accuracy means teams are unable to get near players.

Second placed Liverpool have lit up the domestic and European stage this season with Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah leading the line, but they too are not the most fouled team this season.

In fact they sit in 17th place in this table and are fouled an average of 8.9 times per game, that's only one foul more than City. This again could be a testament to how Liverpool play the game and how well they have performed this season.

(Image: Getty Images)

Spurs have looked a real threat this season and now their new stadium is complete they are looking to become consistent challengers domestically and in Europe.

Spurs may sit in third place but they join Liverpool and Man City in not being the most fouled team. Tottenham rank 13th in the table, Spurs are fouled on average 9.5 times per game.

The top five fouled teams is made up of three top six teams and two mid-table teams.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United are ranked fifth in the table, the Red Devils are fouled an average 10.6 times per game. Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and co use their skill and flair to gain fouls all over the pitch.

Marco Silva's improving Everton sit in the fourth position, the Toffees are fouled an average of 11.2 times per game. Everton's front line includes Gylfi Sigurdsson and Richarlison, who cause problems and earn multiple fouls for the team each game.

(Image: PA)

Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea are third on the list, the Blues are fouled an average of 11.3 times per game. Eden Hazard is the danger man for Chelsea and he is were they earn a lot of free-kicks, the Belgian tends to be stopped by any means.

Eddie Howe's Bournemouth are the big surprise on this list, the Cherries are ranked second in the table and are fouled an average of 11.7 times per game. Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson are the stand-out players for the team and, Fraser especially, is targeted to be stopped, earning valuable free-kicks from fouls.

Unai Emery's Arsenal are the league's most fouled team this season, the Gunners are fouled on average of 12 times per game. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are dangerous and as a result earn free-kicks for the team.

(Image: Getty Images)

Most fouled teams this season (per game)