Arsenal Defence Is This Premier League’s Best Backline?

Arsenal defence shows elite form, conceding just five goals in 11 matches. Can Arteta’s backline rival the Premier League’s historic best?

Arsenal defence has been the backbone of Mikel Arteta’s impressive start to the Premier League season. With only five goals conceded in 11 matches, the Gunners’ backline is already attracting comparisons with the league’s best defences ever. But how does it really stack up against history’s elite units?

After going 812 minutes and eight consecutive games without conceding, Arsenal finally saw their defensive streak broken in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Sunderland. Despite this setback, their four-point lead at the top highlights the strength of their defence in securing results.

Table of Contents

1. Arsenal Defence Performance This Season
2. Premier League Defensive Records
3. Comparing Arsenal With Historic Units
4. Challenges Ahead for Arsenal
5. Conclusion: Is Arsenal’s Backline Among the Best?

Arsenal Defence Performance This Season

Arsenal defence, led by William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Riccardo Calafiori, with David Raya in goal, has been formidable. Their eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions equalled a club record last set in 1903 and matched historic records set by Preston in 1889 and Liverpool in 1920.

The Gunners are conceding just 0.45 goals per game. If maintained, this rate projects to 17 goals over the 38-game season—an elite level close to Chelsea’s 2004-05 record of 15 goals. Arsenal also leads Europe’s top five leagues in defensive stats, allowing the fewest shots on target (21 this season) and maintaining the most clean sheets.

Image suggestion: Arsenal defenders William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes blocking a Sunderland attack.
Alt text: Arsenal defence led by Saliba, Timber, and Gabriel holding a clean sheet

Premier League Defensive Records

Throughout Premier League history, a few teams have set the benchmark for elite defences:

• Chelsea 2004-05: Conceded just 15 goals with a backline of Terry, Gallas, Carvalho, Ferreira, and keeper Petr Cech.
• Arsenal 1998-99: Famous back four of Adams, Keown, Dixon, and Winterburn with David Seaman in goal, conceding only 17 goals.
• Manchester United 2007-08: Van der Sar, Ferdinand, Vidic, Brown, and Evra allowed 22 goals while winning the league and Champions League.
• Liverpool 2018-19: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson let in 22 goals.
• Manchester City 2018-19: Conceded 23 goals but won the Premier League under Pep Guardiola.

Comparing Arsenal With Historic Units

Arsenal defence this season has already matched the intensity and resilience of legendary backlines. With only five goals conceded so far, they are outperforming many historical teams in terms of consistency and efficiency. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown praised Arteta’s defence: “We can see with our own eyes how good the defence is. The only thing missing from their CV is trophies.”

If Saliba, Timber, Gabriel, and Calafiori remain fit, this Arsenal defence could rival the likes of Chelsea 2004-05 and Manchester United 2007-08 in Premier League history.

Challenges Ahead for Arsenal

Despite their stellar record, Arsenal defence faces challenges. Gabriel Magalhaes could be sidelined until January due to injury on Brazil duty, and Riccardo Calafiori also has a fitness issue. Maintaining the current level requires not only skill but consistency and luck with injuries.

Arsenal will need to stay disciplined to contend for the Premier League title and cement their defence as one of the best ever.

Conclusion: Is Arsenal’s Backline Among the Best?

Arsenal defence is currently among the elite in Europe, setting records in clean sheets and shots faced. If the backline continues this form and avoids injuries, it has every chance to be recognized alongside Premier League greats like Chelsea 2004-05 and Manchester United 2007-08. Fans and analysts alike are watching as Arteta’s men chase the first league title since 2003-04, with a defence that could define this generation of Gunners.