Remarkable stat shows Arsenal now have the best defence in the Premier League

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Arsenal have had a strong start to the campaign in terms of results, but many have criticised some of their performances this season.

This time last year, Arsenal were blowing teams away with their lightning-fast attacking play and were racking up the goals, but changes in both approach and personnel have meant Mikel Arteta’s side now have a different edge.

Arsenal are joint-top of the Premier League when it comes to clean sheets, and they are trying to exert more control over games after the run-in last season saw chaotic draws with West Ham, Liverpool and Southampton.

Arsenal’s incredible defence

William Saliba’s excellent form, as well as the signing of Declan Rice, has meant that Arsenal have become a tough wall to break down this season.

A stat has now emerged that Arsenal have the lowest expected goals conceded (xGC) this season, with 9.37 conceded in 12 matches.

This is significantly less than Manchester City on 11.2, Newcastle on 13.33 and Liverpool on 14.65.

Arsenal have conceded 10 goals in 12 games, level with Liverpool and no team has conceded less.

Arteta’s side have struggled going forward at times, but Arsenal are just one point off the top of the table despite a number of injury problems, with Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus missing significant amounts of football.

Arteta’s more defensive approach

It is clear from Arsenal’s title race collapsing last season, that Arteta is more keen on having a stronger base at the back, and not letting the opposition have a sniff.

Arsenal’s strong defence comes in spite of uncertainty over the goalkeeping position, with David Raya making a number of mistakes since overtaking Aaron Ramsdale, and most of the goals conceded this season have come from individual errors rather than the opposition finding a way in behind Arsenal’s structured back line.

The win over Manchester City was the best example of this. Arsenal won with a late winner, and did not create much during the game, but completely nullified Erling Haaland and the City team, who recorded just one shot on target and four shots on goal in 90 minutes.

Arsenal have become exceptional at dominating their own third, and stopping the opposition from gaining space near the penalty area. If Arsenal soon fully click going forward, with Gabriel Jesus set to return from injury, they will be a frightening prospect for the rest of the Premier League.

With games against Brentford, Luton and Wolves coming up, Arsenal have an opportunity to start racking up the goals, but Arteta may not want to sacrifice defensive control in favour of more chaotic, and perhaps exciting games.