Arsenal have started the 2025-26 Premier League season in formidable fashion, conceding just three goals in eight games and topping the table by three points. While last season’s title challenge faltered due to an attack that scored 17 fewer goals than champions Liverpool, Mikel Arteta’s side now boast one of the league’s most impressive defences in history.
Defensive Strength at Historic Levels
The Gunners’ current rate of 0.38 goals conceded per game projects to just 14 over a full season, potentially surpassing the 15 goals conceded by Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2004-05. Arsenal have already kept five clean sheets in eight matches, demonstrating their defensive solidity even when several creative players, including Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz, are sidelined with injuries.
Attack Still Key, but Less Crucial
Arsenal’s attack has improved slightly from last season but remains below the levels of their 2023-24 title challenge, when they averaged 2.4 goals per game. At 1.88 goals per game this season, they are on track to score around 71 goals, mirroring Chelsea’s 72-goal tally during their 2004-05 triumph. If their defensive form continues, Arsenal could rely on a near-record-breaking defence to secure the title, even without an ultra-prolific attack.
Can They Sustain It?
Historically, only six of 33 Premier League winners have claimed the title by conceding the fewest goals but not scoring the most. Arsenal may need to replicate long runs of clean sheets similar to Chelsea’s 10 consecutive shutouts in 2005 or Manchester United’s 14-game streak in 2008-09. Matches against Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Sunderland will be crucial in maintaining momentum.
If Arteta’s team can sustain this defensive excellence while gradually improving their attack as injured players return, they could transform their defence into the foundation for Premier League glory for the first time since 2004.
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