Arsenal’s Defence: How Does It Stack Up Against the Best in the Premier League?

Arsenal’s Streak Comes to an End

After an impressive run of 812 minutes and eight consecutive matches without conceding a goal across all competitions, Arsenal’s defensive record was finally breached during their match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The hosts managed to score two goals, resulting in a 2-2 draw that slightly dampened Arsenal’s push for the Premier League title. Nevertheless, the team maintains a solid four-point lead at the top of the table, thanks in large part to their formidable defence.

This recent streak of eight clean sheets matched the club’s own record set back in 1903, reaffirming the strength of their current squad. They also matched the achievements of historical teams like Preston’s 1889 squad and Liverpool’s 1920 team for the most consecutive matches won without conceding a goal by an English club.

As manager Mikel Arteta’s squad readies themselves for an upcoming clash against Tottenham, optimism is high among fans that a first league title since the 2003-04 season is within reach. So far this season, Arsenal has conceded just five goals in 11 matches, making them contenders for the record of fewest goals conceded in a single season—set at 15 by Chelsea in the 2004-05 season.

The Quest for Silverware

While the statistics are impressive, Arsenal faces tough competition for recognition among the Premier League’s historically great defences. Currently, they are allowing just 0.45 goals per game; if this trend continues, they could finish the season with 17 goals conceded. Chelsea’s 2004-05 season remains the benchmark with only 15 goals allowed, while Arsenal’s own strong performance in the 1998-99 season saw them finish with 17 goals against, albeit without any trophies to show for it.

The closest competitors to Arsenal’s current defensive strength are Manchester United’s 2007-08 side and Liverpool’s 2018-19 team, both of which conceded 22 goals that season. There is still ample time for Arsenal to improve their standing, provided their backline—comprised of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Riccardo Calafiori, with David Raya as goalkeeper—remains healthy and consistent.

However, recent injuries present challenges, particularly Gabriel’s potential absence until January after a national duty injury, along with Calafiori’s ongoing issue being assessed.

Presently, Arsenal holds the best defensive record among the top five leagues in Europe, having allowed the fewest goals and faced the least number of shots on target. They have limited opponents to only 21 shots on target thus far in the Premier League, showing remarkable discipline and coordination.

Notably, Arsenal last enjoyed a streak of four consecutive league games without conceding back in September and October of 1987. That defensive fabric of the team, nurtured by former manager George Graham, is being echoed in Arteta’s current squad as they display a similar resolve.

Recognizing Elite Defences in Premier League History

As Arsenal continues to etch their defensive prowess into the Premier League’s memory, they inevitably find themselves in conversation about the division’s greatest defensive units.

Below are some of the top contenders in Premier League history:

Chelsea (2004-05)

Under José Mourinho, Chelsea claimed the league title with a historically strong defensive lineup allowing only 15 goals. This unit featured the likes of Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho, John Terry, and William Gallas, along with goalkeeper Petr Čech.

Arsenal (1998-99)

Arsenal’s formidable backline from the 1998-99 season remains one of their strongest. Featuring Lee Dixon, Martin Keown, Tony Adams, and Nigel Winterburn in front of David Seaman, they conceded only 17 goals but ultimately finished second.

Manchester United (2007-08)

Widely considered Sir Alex Ferguson’s best team, that squad won both the Premier League and the Champions League while allowing just 22 goals, thanks to their stable defensive core.

Liverpool (2018-19)

Known for their explosive forward line, Liverpool’s defence was equally adept, allowing just 22 goals during their campaign. Key players included Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk.

Manchester City (2018-19)

Securing the title in a fierce contest with Liverpool, Manchester City conceded 23 goals that season but ultimately finished with one more point to claim victory.

Arsenal’s current defensive caliber may see them join this elite conversation if they can maintain fitness and performance throughout the season. As the battle for the league title progresses, all eyes will be on how well they can continue to thwart opposing attacks and seek the silverware that will solidify their legacy.