How Does Arsenal’s Defence Stack Up Against the Premier League’s All-Time Best?
Arsenal’s rock-solid defence was finally breached after a remarkable run of 812 minutes and eight consecutive clean sheets across all competitions, during a match against Sunderland. While the 2-2 draw might have slightly dampened their Premier League title ambitions, their impressive four-point lead at the top of the table is undeniably built on a foundation of defensive resilience.
Those eight clean sheets equaled a club record dating back to 1903 – an impressive feat considering the legendary defenders who have worn the Arsenal jersey. It also matched a record set by Preston in 1889 and Liverpool in 1920 for the most consecutive wins without conceding by an English club. As Mikel Arteta’s squad prepares to face Tottenham, many believe their first league title since the Invincibles in 2003-04 is a real possibility. But how does this current Arsenal team compare to the Premier League’s defensive titans of the past?
This season, the Gunners have only conceded five goals in 11 matches, putting them on track to challenge the Premier League record for fewest goals conceded in a season (15 by Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2004-05). But where do they rank amongst the best defensive units in Premier League history?
Arsenal’s Defensive Prowess: Numbers Don’t Lie
The competition is fierce, but statistically, Arsenal’s current defence is right up there with the best. Approaching the halfway point of the season, they are conceding an average of just 0.45 goals per game. If they maintain this form, they’ll concede around 17 goals across the entire 38-game season. This would put them in esteemed company.
While Chelsea’s record of 15 goals conceded in 2004-05 remains the benchmark, Arsenal’s own 1998-99 team conceded just 17 goals but ultimately finished the season without a trophy. The 2007-08 Manchester United side and the 2018-19 Liverpool team each conceded 22 goals, further highlighting the elite level Arsenal are currently performing at.
Key Players in Arsenal’s Defensive Line
A lot hinges on the fitness and consistency of the backline, composed of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Riccardo Calafiori, with David Raya providing assurance in goal. However, potential injuries to key players like Gabriel could pose a challenge. Despite these concerns, Arsenal boasts the best defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues, with the fewest goals conceded, fewest shots on target faced, and the most clean sheets.
Arsenal has allowed a mere 21 shots on target in the Premier League this season, including just three across their last five matches. Their average of 1.9 shots on target faced per game is the lowest since Opta began tracking the data in 2003-04.
The last time Arsenal achieved a similar defensive record was in September and October 1987 under George Graham. That era inspired the famous “1-0 to the Arsenal” chant, celebrating a team renowned for its defensive resilience – a quality that Arteta’s squad is successfully replicating.
Sunderland’s two goals prevented Arsenal from surpassing Manchester United’s Premier League record of 14 consecutive clean sheets, set in 2008-09. Liverpool holds the overall record for clean sheets across all competitions in the Premier League era, achieving 11 straight games without conceding under Rafael Benitez in 2005-06.
What the Experts Are Saying
Former Arsenal centre-back Martin Keown, a member of the club’s 1998-99 squad, has praised the current team’s defensive strength. “We can see with our own eyes how good the defence is,” Keown wrote in his BBC Sport column. “The only thing missing from their CV is trophies. If they could be champions, they reach that elite level alongside these past title-winning teams.”
Ranking the Premier League’s Greatest Defences
Who are Arsenal’s rivals when it comes to the greatest defensive units in Premier League history? Here are some contenders:
Chelsea (2004-05)
Mourinho’s first season in charge saw the Blues conquer the league with a historically miserly defence. Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho, John Terry, and William Gallas formed a formidable back four, with Petr Cech in goal, conceding just 15 goals.
Arsenal (1998-99)
Arguably Arsenal’s best defence in the Premier League era before this current iteration. Following their Double-winning season, Lee Dixon, Martin Keown, Tony Adams, and Nigel Winterburn protected David Seaman, resulting in only 17 goals conceded.
Manchester United (2007-08)
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United were dominant, securing both the Premier League and Champions League titles. Edwin van der Sar marshalled a defence comprised of Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, and Patrice Evra, conceding just 22 league goals.
Liverpool (2018-19)
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool amassed 97 points. While their attacking prowess was undeniable, their defence was equally impressive. Alisson Becker backed up a back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, and Andy Robertson, conceding only 22 goals all season.
Manchester City (2018-19)
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City pipped Liverpool to the title by one point. With Ederson in goal and a defence featuring Kyle Walker, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, and Vincent Kompany, they conceded 23 goals but secured the championship.
Is Arsenal’s current defence on track to join these legendary teams? Only time will tell, but their current form suggests they have the potential to etch their names in Premier League history.
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