Arsenal come into this season as one of the front-runners to claim the EPL title from Manchester City, and after a superb defensive performance against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend have proven that they have the ability to beat teams even when they have key attacking players missing.
Gabriel Magalhaes scored a thumping header to take the three points, but the story of the day was how Arsenal managed to limit Spurs’ chances despite having all three of their first choice midfielders unavailable. The back four of Ben White, WIlliam Saliba, Gabriel and Jurrien Timber is a young but experienced defensive unit who perform well beyond their years. David Raya in goal and Declan Rice in holding midfield create a unit of three that has proven hard to break down so far this season.
Arsenal conceded just 29 league goals last season and have only let in one in four matches this season – down to 10 men after Rice had been controversially sent off. Just how well do they compare to some of the best ever EPL backlines?
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1. Chelsea (2004-2005)
- Manager: José Mourinho
- Goals Conceded: 15 (Fewest in a Premier League season)
- Clean Sheets: 25
- Key Players: John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Petr Cech, Claude Makélélé
In José Mourinho’s first season at Chelsea, the team set a record for the fewest goals conceded in a Premier League campaign, allowing just 15 goals. This record still stands as one of the greatest defensive achievements. John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho’s centre-back partnership was key to this success, with Terry’s leadership and physical presence complementing Carvalho’s agility and intelligence. Petr Cech, in his debut season, recorded 24 clean sheets, while Claude Makélélé protected the backline as the anchor in midfield. This well-organised defence was the foundation of Chelsea’s title-winning season.
2. Manchester United (2007-2008)
- Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson
- Goals Conceded: 22
- Clean Sheets: 21
- Key Players: Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Edwin van der Sar, Patrice Evra
Manchester United’s defence in 2007-2008 was the backbone of their double-winning season, in which they claimed both the Premier League and the Champions League. Rio Ferdinand’s composure and ball-playing ability were complemented by Nemanja Vidic’s physicality and fearless defending. The duo formed one of the most formidable centre-back pairings in Premier League history. Edwin van der Sar, in goal, provided a calming presence, while Patrice Evra and Wes Brown contributed on both ends of the pitch. Their defensive solidity was crucial in edging out Chelsea for the league title and beating them again in the Champions League Final.
3. Liverpool (2018-2019)
- Manager: Jürgen Klopp
- Goals Conceded: 22
- Clean Sheets: 21
- Key Players: Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Despite finishing second in the league, Liverpool’s defence in the 2018-2019 season was exceptional. Virgil van Dijk was a towering figure at the heart of the defence, winning PFA Player of the Year for his dominant performances. His leadership, combined with the creativity and hard work of full-backs Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, made Liverpool’s defence almost impenetrable. Alisson Becker kept 21 clean sheets and played a vital role with his sweeping abilities and crucial saves. Their defensive brilliance helped them to European glory, winning the Champions League that season.
4. Arsenal (1998-1999)
- Manager: Arsène Wenger
- Goals Conceded: 17
- Clean Sheets: 22
- Key Players: Tony Adams, Martin Keown, David Seaman, Nigel Winterburn
Arsenal’s defence in the 1998-1999 season was a continuation of the traditional “one-nil to the Arsenal” resilience. The experienced back four of Tony Adams, Martin Keown, Nigel Winterburn, and Lee Dixon were masters of defensive organisation. David Seaman, one of the greatest goalkeepers of his era, stood tall between the posts. Though Arsenal narrowly missed out on the title to Manchester United, conceding just 17 goals remains an incredible feat and testament to their defensive prowess.
5. Manchester City (2018-2019)
- Manager: Pep Guardiola
- Goals Conceded: 23
- Clean Sheets: 20
- Key Players: Aymeric Laporte, Kyle Walker, Ederson, Fernandinho
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City were known for their attacking football, but their defence played a key role in securing the Premier League title with 98 points. Aymeric Laporte was vital at centre-back, offering both defensive stability and the ability to play out from the back. Kyle Walker and Oleksandr Zinchenko provided pace and width as full-backs, while Fernandinho’s intelligence and positional awareness shielded the defence. Ederson’s distribution and shot-stopping were crucial, making City’s defence a well-rounded and formidable unit.
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