Arsenal is making waves with the strongest defense in Europe.

Not only effective in attack, Arsenal in the 2025–2026 season is showcasing a defensive performance that commands respect across Europe.

According to statistics from the specialized website Transfermarkt, after their recent 2-0 victory over Burnley, the London club currently leads the top 5 European leagues (England, Spain, Germany, Italy, France) in the number of clean sheets in domestic competitions. After 10 rounds in the 2025/26 Premier League, the “Gunners” have conceded only 3 goals, the best defensive record among 96 teams in the top five leagues. Mikel Arteta’s squad has also kept 7 clean sheets, surpassing renowned teams like Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid.

In goalkeeping position, David Raya has become a key figure in building Arsenal’s “steel wall.” The Spanish goalkeeper leads Europe with 7 clean sheets out of 10 matches and boasts a save success rate exceeding 85%. Beyond reflexes, Raya stands out for his footwork, initiating attacks, and distributing the ball from the back, enabling Arteta to implement a coherent possession style. Meanwhile, veteran goalkeepers like Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich) and Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) have only reached 5 clean sheets, clearly trailing behind Raya.

Raya’s excellent form also contributes to the stability of Arsenal’s defense. The central defensive duo William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães continue their excellent coordination, while Jurrien Timber and Ricardo Calafiori provide effective support on the flanks. Arsenal is currently the only team in the Premier League that has not conceded more than one goal in any match so far this season.

Besides being solid, the “Gunners” defense also contributes effectively to offense. So far, Arsenal has scored 8 goals from set pieces after 10 Premier League matches, a record never seen before in the league’s history. This shows Arteta’s team maximizes every moment on the pitch, combining smart defending with attacking prowess.

In the Champions League, Arsenal’s form is also earning admiration from experts. After 4 group stage matches, the Emirates side has not allowed a single goal, becoming the only team among Europe’s top 5 leagues to maintain a streak of 7 consecutive clean sheets across all competitions since late September.

While rivals like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Real Madrid occasionally falter defensively, Arsenal is demonstrating a rare balanced style: defending like an iron wall and counterattacking like a sharp blade. If this form continues, the “Gunners” can realistically dream of winning their first English title since the legendary 2003–2004 “Invincibles” season.

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