Arsenal’s 57 clearances: Bettered by Manchester United and Crystal Palace

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Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Cardiff City are the only other clubs to make more clearances in a single game this season.

Arsenal’s defensive effort against Aston Villa late on last night was a sight to behold. While Christian Benteke’s 75th minute goal gave the home side a chance, Arsenal stood resolute.

During the contest, Arsenal came up with a huge 57 clearances – of which Laurent Koscielny (17) and Per Mertesacker (14) were largely responsible.

There have been only four games this season where clubs have made more – the highest being Crystal Palace’s 1-0 away victory at Hull City back in November, the day Tony Pulis’ was appointed as manager in charge.

Manchester United’s 2-0 win at Norwich City in December also saw more than 60 clearances in one game, with Patrice Evra racking up 15 on his own.

Another 1-0 win for Crystal Palace saw them rack up 60+ clearances in early December, another illustration of Pulis’ defensive effect.

Effective Clearances per game pre-Pulis

Clearances per game since Pulis arrived.

The Eagles may still be bottom of the league on 17 points, but they are in with a fighting chance, with West Ham just one point above them in 17th.

Cardiff City’s 58 clearances against Palace, a 2-0 loss in December, was the only other game to top the Gunners’ 57 last night.

There may be a lot of difference between the games of Arsenal and Crystal Palace, but the way when the pressure builds, both sides rely on their backlines to see them through – is a testament to the art of defending.

image: © Tom Brogan