Arsenal have made a blistering start to the 2025/26 season, rewriting their defensive history in remarkable fashion. After just ten games across all competitions, Mikel Arteta’s men have conceded only three goals, the fewest at this stage in the club’s 138-year history. The previous record of four goals after ten matches was set in 2007/08 under Arsène Wenger, but this side has gone one better. It’s another milestone that adds to Arteta’s growing legacy, especially after he marked his 300th game in charge with a win over West Ham as reported by Softfootball.
The Gunners’ defensive dominance has been eye-catching, with seven clean sheets already recorded, which is something Arsenal last achieved back in the 1987/88 season, nearly four decades ago. Their defensive metrics also lead the Premier League: fewest shots faced (56), fewest on target (18), and lowest expected goals (xG) against (4.4).
Such consistency explains why experts believe Arsenal are on track to replicate, or even surpass, Chelsea’s iconic 2004/05 record of conceding just 15 goals in a Premier League season. Some pundits even think this form could be the foundation of a title-winning campaign, a belief echoed in this Softfootball detailed analysis on why Arsenal might win the 2025/26 Premier League.
A large part of this success stems from Arsenal’s defensive spine. The partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães has become the gold standard in England, supported by the flawless David Raya, who’s reportedly set to sign an improved contract running until 2028. With Ben White, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori providing additional solidity, Arsenal’s backline is both disciplined and dynamic.
A video posted on Arsenal’s official X account captures Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta reacting passionately to Declan Rice’s goal during their 2-0 win against West Ham on October 4, 2025, a match where Rice’s performance against his former club marked a notable psychological edge.
Watch video below:
Beyond defense, Arsenal’s balance across competitions is exceptional. They sit top of the Premier League table, boast a perfect start in the Champions League, and continue to progress in the League Cup. If Arteta’s men sustain this form, Arsenal won’t just break records, they could finally deliver the Premier League crown that has eluded them for two decades.
