Arsenal have been backed to break Chelsea’s Premier League record for the fewest goals conceded in a season after making an impressive defensive start under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners have won all four of their opening matches this term and have allowed just one goal, with goalkeeper David Raya producing an inspired performance in the victory over Sunderland last night.
Former Chelsea midfielder Tony Cascarino believes Arsenal’s defence could eventually challenge the benchmark set by Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side, who conceded only 15 goals during the 2004/05 Premier League campaign.
Arsenal backed to break Chelsea’s defensive record
“I call them the anaconda team because they literally suffocate you and strangle you. In ever department they are brilliant, they are the team to me who could beat Chelsea’s goals against column,” Cascarino said on talkSPORT.
He added: “What Chelsea achieved a number of years ago I thought would never get beaten. This Arsenal team, whether it’s this one this season or even further down the line they are going to concede so few goals.”
Arsenal’s defensive strength was central to their title success last season, although they finished that campaign having conceded 27 goals. Their backline also helped them reach the Champions League final, but it did not come close to matching Chelsea’s record.
The early signs this season have nevertheless prompted comparisons with Mourinho’s historic team. Arsenal are currently conceding at a rate of 0.25 goals per game, which would see them comfortably surpass Chelsea’s total if maintained across the campaign.
That prospect remains uncertain, with fatigue, injuries and suspensions likely to test Arsenal over the course of a long season. Chelsea legend John Terry, who was a key member of the record-breaking defence, previously said he did not believe the mark would ever be beaten.
“Can this record of 15 goals conceded in one season ever be beaten? I’m saying no. I have to say, I was a little bit worried, the way Arsenal started the season, but it’s only January and the record is already gone. It’s safe for another year,” Terry said last January.
For now, Arsenal’s defensive record has reinforced their status as the team to beat in this season’s title race.
