Arsenal have now achieved one thing this season that they last managed in 2017 whilst Arsene Wenger was at the helm.
Arsenal put their London rivals Chelsea to the sword last night as they recorded a 5-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.
This triumph extended the Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League table and enhanced their already superior goal difference. Not only were Mikel Arteta’s men able to rack up the goals, but they also kept yet another clean sheet.
The North London outfit have now kept 16 clean sheets in the top flight of English football this season, significantly more than any other side in the division. The Arsenal defence has been in a class of its own throughout the campaign and they were able to remain solid again against the Blues.
Although Chelsea posed a threat on the counter-attack in the opening period, and Arsenal were criticised from some quarters for their first-half performance, David Raya was never seriously tested.
After the break, the hosts found another level, and added four more goals to take the game far beyond Chelsea’s reach. Kai Havertz returned to haunt his former club with two strikes, whilst Ben White delighted Arsenal fans with an unlikely brace of his own.
Mikel Arteta guides Arsenal to repeat of Arsene Wenger feat
The Gunners were able to match one 2017 feat against the Blues. As reported by Squawka, for the first time since Arsene Wenger was in charge in 2017, Arsenal have now played 15 consecutive Premier League matches in which they’ve avoided being behind at half-time.
These solid defensive showings in the opening period of matches allow Arteta’s side to gain a foothold in games. They provide a platform for an attacking performance to be built on.
Arsenal must now maintain this form at both ends of the pitch for their last four games of the season. If they can keep winning, and keep shutting out opponents, then they stand an excellent chance of being crowned champions come the end of the campaign.
What makes Arsenal so good at the back?
Plenty of players deserve credit for this resilience. Declan Rice has added steel to the spine of the team in the middle of the park. Goalkeeper Raya has even been named as an outside candidate for the Arsenal Player of the Season award. Meanwhile, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have been hailed as the best centre-back partnership in the Premier League.
The Gunners’ defensive success is as much about mentality as it is individual talent, though. Arteta’s side take enormous pride in their ability to keep opponents at bay.