Gary Lineker reacts to Arsenal stat as Arteta’s side sets historic defensive pace

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Arsenal have caught the eye this season, with their defensive solidity drawing plenty of attention.

Sitting top of the Premier League after nine matches, they’ve also gone unbeaten in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup. What’s more impressive is that they’re managing this without several key players available.

Even with Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus all sidelined through injury, Mikel Arteta’s side have kept things ticking along nicely. But it’s their defensive record that really stands out. Gary Lineker is one of those who has taken notice.

Gary Lineker left amazed by remarkable Arsenal stat

Arsenal’s defending this season has been outstanding. Just three goals conceded across 14 matches in all competitions, and only one of those came from open play.

The Gunners are also limiting the number of shots they face in the Premier League. And even with that context, there was a stat about their defence that caught Gary Lineker by surprise.

In October, Arsenal won every match without conceding a goal. No other team in English top-flight history had managed that before.

Speaking about the achievement on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker said: “Arsenal actually became the first English side in top-flight history to win six games in a month without conceding a goal.”

Arsenal could break Chelsea’s record for fewest goals conceded

Letting in just three goals in their first nine Premier League matches is an incredible start, and it’s no surprise they’re leading the table.

But the Gunners know there’s still a long season ahead, so staying consistent will be key if they want to maintain this level of performance.

If they keep going like this, not only could they win the league, but they might also break Chelsea’s record for fewest goals conceded in a season.

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Chelsea gave up just 15 goals in 2004/05. At Arsenal’s current rate, that number would drop to around 13 by the end of the campaign.

Pep Guardiola’s side hold a similar feat, conceding only 23 across 38 games when Mikel Arteta was his assistant manager at Manchester City in 2018/19. Beating both would be remarkable and sets a high bar for future teams to match.