Pundits say no one is talking about what Arsenal have done so well this season

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Pundits Mark Chapman and Matt Upson drew attention to one thing after Arsenal’s win over Olympiacos.

Mikel Arteta’s side are rebuilding form after dropping points against Manchester City, winning three in a row since the draw. 

Arsenal returned to action in the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Olympiacos, a match that saw David Raya claim his fifth clean sheet of the campaign. 

While Raya earned his flowers against Olympiacos with a top save to deny Daniel Podence, credit should instead be turned to how the goalkeeper has been protected by those ahead of him so far this term. 

• READ MORE: Greek media say three Arsenal players stood out the most against Olympiacos

Mark Chapman and Matt Upson are surprised that nobody is talking about Arsenal’s defence

Five clean sheets from eight games is an ideal situation for Raya, with the ‘keeper thanking his lucky stars that he has a defence of Arsenal’s quality ahead of him.

In the wake of the Gunners’ win over Olympiacos, Arsenal’s defence was a talking point, as Mark Chapman and Matt Upson pondered why the form of the back four isn’t getting as much airtime as it perhaps deserves.

“Their defensive stability is not, whilst it was talked about a lot last year, hasn’t been mentioned that much,” Chapman said, as featured on the BBC Football Daily podcast. 

“I mean, they’ve only conceded three in all competitions now this season.”

Former Gunner Upson then suspected why no one is talking about how defensively strong Arsenal have been in the early stages of the season.

“It’s almost like it’s a given, and it isn’t,” Upson explained.

“I agree, I think it takes a lot of work. I think the players are really stepping up, as we know they can.”

Arsenal’s defensive prowess is slipping under the radar, merely because Arteta’s side are notoriously strong at the back.

Arsenal have conceded one goal from open play so far

The idea of Arsenal being known as one of the best defensive sides in Europe is a reality that was once beyond even the most loyal of supporters’ wildest dreams. 

Arsenal have started the season sublimely in all competitions, conceding just three goals, only one being from open play. 

To concede one goal from open play, having faced the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United already, is quite something.

Erling Haaland’s tremendous goal against Arsenal broke the Gunners from open play, but it took a moment of pure excellence from the Man City talisman to do so.

Gone are the days of Arsenal having a rusty defence, as there are very few teams in Europe who can truly go toe-to-toe with the back line Arteta has created.