Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal are accomplishing something incredible defensively this season. They have begun better than ever before in the club’s entire history of 138 years. Following ten matches in all competitions, they have allowed three goals. That is their lowest number of goals conceded at this point ever.
That begins to paint the picture of a team of determination, organization, and discipline. It is not mere good luck. It is the product of planning, training, and a psychological mindset among the coaches and players.
The Numbers Behind the Feat: Defensively Arsenal
Let’s dissect the stats. In those ten games:
Arsenal recorded seven clean sheets. This tells us that in 7 out of 10 matches they didn’t give away a single goal.
Arsenal have had fewer shots against them in the Premier League than almost any opponent.
Their per-game goals conceded is extremely low.
Their “expected goals against” (xGA) is also top drawer.
These statistics demonstrate that it is not only goalkeeping or one-upmanship, but a matter of structure, coordination, and consistency.
What Makes It Possible?
So how did Arsenal create this defence?
1. Depth in the squad. They added new defensive choices in the summer. Players like Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapié, and Kepa Arrizabalaga bring depth and coverage. Even non-starter players have done their part when called upon. This creates rotation, freshness, and competition.
2. Collective defensive mindset. It isn’t only defenders playing their position. Midfielders defend, forwards press up, and the entire unit shifts as one. Everyone within the team has a responsibility.
3. Tactical organization and discipline. Arteta and his coaching team have established a disciplined organization. The lines are tight. Transitions are controlled. Attacks are severed before they pose threats. This type of structure is more difficult to overcome than having individual great defenders.
4. Contributions from the goalkeepers. David Raya has been instrumental. He has recorded a number of clean sheets himself (six to date) and provided a steady presence in goal.
Putting It in Historical Perspective
It takes courage to say one made a “best defensive start ever in 138 years,” but the statistics support it. Arsenal’s best before that had been allowing four in the opening ten games—this was accomplished in the 2007-08 season under Arsène Wenger.
Also, the seven clean sheets from ten games matches the all-time best record for that period. Arsenal had previously reached that clean-sheet tally, most recently during the 1987-88 campaign. While this is not a minor record. It indicates a fantastic season beginning.
Expose – Challenges Ahead & What Could Break It
No streak will go on indefinitely. Opponents will be looking to beat them. Injuries, tiredness, or an ill-fated tactical decision may shatter the consistency. Additionally, the type of defensive record posted until now brings pressure on the attack to perform, as not every match can be 0–0.
Furthermore, sustaining this through the rest of the season is far more difficult than sustaining it for ten. But the building block is in place. Arteta has also recognized that squad depth is important.
Why This Matters?
A solid defence is usually the foundation of any winning campaign. You provide a security blanket for your team. You enable days when the attack cannot penetrate the opponent, but you still pick up points because you don’t concede. In title battles, that difference can be crucial.
If Arsenal can keep this up, they could be genuine title challengers for big medal in Europe. They are not only playing lovely football; they are doing so with strength behind.
Author’s Insight
Arteta’s Arsenal are not merely pursuing goals or flair. They are penning a new book in their history—one in which defence is a point of pride, a source of strength, and dependability. In 138 years, no Arsenal team has begun a season like this one. Can they keep it up is the next great challenge.
