Arsenal sits in 2nd place
Having conceded just three goals in 13 matches across all competitions, Arsenal boasts an impressive five consecutive clean sheets. With only one shot on target faced in their last three games, their defensive statistics are remarkable. Arsenal maintained their defensive prowess with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Sunday. Under Mikel Arteta, the team is now four points clear at the top of the Premier League, bolstered by one of the most formidable defenses in league history. The central defensive duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is exceptional, while Jurriën Timber has been described by some as the best full-back in the league currently. Additionally, Riccardo Calafiori effectively inverts from the left-back position, enhancing their defense.
Furthermore, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Piero Hincapié, Cristhian Mosquera, and Ben White are crucial players waiting in the wings, creating what could be considered one of the best defensive lineups in the league. Arsenal’s depth in defense is truly impressive. A significant milestone was achieved this weekend as the Gunners reached 100 games in all competitions without conceding three or more goals. The last team to score three times against Arteta’s squad was Luton Town in a 4-3 loss at Kenilworth Road back in December 2023. Only one Premier League club has managed a longer streak of not conceding three goals. Let’s take a look at the top 10 longest streaks.
The longest streaks without conceding 3+ goals
Surprisingly, the team at the top of this list is Manchester United, who went an impressive 107 games in all competitions without conceding three or more goals – not during Sir Alex Ferguson’s era, but under José Mourinho. This remarkable run spanned from October 2016, when they lost 4-0 to Chelsea, to August 2018, when Brighton scored three in a 3-2 victory. Arsenal now sits second with their 100-game streak. If they can navigate their next eight fixtures without allowing three goals, they will surpass this record: Brighton (H), Burnley (A), Slavia Prague (A), Sunderland (A), Tottenham (H), Bayern (H), Chelsea (A), Brentford (H).
Manchester United also appears twice more in the top 10 streaks, with runs of 76 games without conceding three goals from 2007-08 and 57 matches from 2006-07 – both under Ferguson. Manchester City features twice under Pep Guardiola with a 68-game run during 2022-23 and a 54-match streak between 2020 and 2021. Chelsea appears three times in the top 10 – twice under Mourinho (63 games in 2007-08 and 55 games in 2004-05) and once in the late 1990s (65 games in 1998-99). Arsenal also rounds out the top 10 with a 54-match streak during their invincible season in 2003-04.
