One stat after Newcastle win proves Arsenal are now miles ahead of Man City in key area

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One statistic has now revealed that Arsenal are currently outperforming Manchester City by a huge margin in one part of the pitch.

Much has been made of the impressive work that Arsenal have done in the final third in recents weeks, but the Gunners’ defensive contingent have been equally outstanding. 

In their last six Premier League matches, the Gunners have scored 25 goals. In that same period, they have conceded just three times. Arsenal have let one goal in apiece in their recent wins over Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, and Newcastle United. 

As Mikel Arteta’s side battered Newcastle 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday night, they were also once again impressive at the back. The Magpies did not manage a single shot in the first half. The Gunners defended from the front, pressing intensely, and worked incredibly hard to track back in numbers whenever the visitors threatened to make a break. 

In the few instances that Newcastle did manage to get forward in numbers, it was almost always dealt with with consummate calm by either David Raya, or any one of the back four, which was comprised of Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Jakub Kiwior.

Arsenal fans were also impressed by Jorginho, who did an exceptional job of screening the defensive line as the deepest-lying midfielder. 

Arsenal defence setting new standards in the Premier League

The one goal that Arsenal conceded in this match came late on, after Arteta had made a raft of substitutions, and some credit must also go to Newcastle for what was undeniably a fine passage of play amidst an otherwise abject performance from them. Joe Willock’s well-placed header against his former club prevented Arsenal from recording their third consecutive Premier League clean sheet.

After the match, journalist James Benge reported one key statistic on X that highlights just how impressive the north London club’s recent defensive efforts have been. In their last six matches combined, Arsenal have allowed an xG of just 1.88 to be amassed against them. The second-best defensive record in the Premier League in recent weeks, when it comes to xG conceded, belongs to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions have allowed 6.77 xG against them in their last seven league outings.

This is a huge difference, and proves that on current form Arsenal have by far the most solid defence in the top flight of English football. It is an old adage that title winning seasons are built on solid defensive foundations. If Arsenal can maintain this incredible solidity at the back then they stand a great chance of being crowned champions come the end of the current campaign.