Paul Merson has revealed that he recently read a ‘crazy’ stat about Arsenal that he thought was ‘out of this world’.
The Gunners currently sit top of the Premier League table after nine matches, conceding just three goals in the process.
Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Burnley on Saturday afternoon, before taking on Sunderland next weekend, while Manchester City host Liverpool at the Etihad when the North Londoners face the Black Cats.
Thus, Arsenal could be in an extremely commanding position heading into the next international break, with their exceptional defensive form finally being rewarded.
Paul Merson reveals the ‘crazy’ stat he recently read about Arsenal
Arsenal boast by far the best defensive record in the Premier League at the moment.
In fact, the rate at which they’ve been able to keep the opposition out is reaching historic levels. The Gunners are on course to beat Chelsea’s record of the fewest goals conceded in a single season of 15, which was set in the 2004/05 campaign.
They’ve kept six clean sheets in a row in all competitions, while they’ve conceded just one open-play goal all season.
The list of staggering stats that depict just how good Arsenal have been defensively is endless, and Merson has shared another one.
Writing for Sportskeeda, the pundit revealed that the Gunners would still have ’13 or 14 points’ if they’d have conceded from every shot on target they’ve faced this season.
“I read this crazy stat the other day – if Arsenal would have conceded a goal from every shot they faced this season, they would still have 13 or 14 points at this stage. That stat is just out of this world.
“Arsenal have been compared to Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea of the past. The difference between that Chelsea team and Arsenal is that they did it for the whole season. Arsenal have only done it for nine games, and still have three-quarters of the season left to play.”
“If Arsenal want to be as good as that Chelsea team, they have to concede not more than four goals in every nine games coming up. If that happens in this day and age, it will quite simply be unbelievable.”
Arsenal’s results if every shot on target they’d faced went in
Merson’s stat is correct; Arsenal would have 13 points, rather that the 22 they’ve accumulated, had they conceded from every on target they’ve faced.
They’d still have beaten Leeds, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Fulham, while they’d have got a point at home to Crystal Palace.
However, they’d only have endured one battering, with Manchester United managing seven shots on target against the Gunners.
- Manchester United 7-1 Arsenal
- Arsenal 5-1 Leeds
- Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal
- Arsenal 3-1 Nottingham Forest
- Arsenal 1-3 Manchester City
- Newcastle 3-2 Arsenal
- Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
- Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
- Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle all would’ve managed narrow victories over Arsenal, which speaks to just how insane their defence has been.
In total, the Gunners have conceded just 19 shots on target in the league this season, while they’ve managed 35 themselves.
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