Such is Arsenal’s form that every win feels significant beyond the points or cup progress it brings. Nine consecutive victories are impressive enough, but seven straight clean sheets make it even more remarkable – the club’s first such run since George Graham’s side managed the feat between September and October 1987.
If Mikel Arteta’s squad can keep another clean sheet against Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday, they’ll equal a club record of eight straight shutouts that has stood since 1903. While detailed data from that era doesn’t exist, it’s hard to imagine those sides prevented opponents from registering a single shot on target, as Arsenal have done in three of their last four matches.
What we’re witnessing is remarkable, and the players are clearly taking pride in it.
“We’ve really got that unity and togetherness, not wanting to concede, that’s winning us games as well as our attacking threat,” said Declan Rice after Saturday’s 2–0 win at Burnley.
It’s been a long process to reach this point. Arsenal have had the Premier League’s best defensive record for the past two seasons, but the added depth this summer has raised standards even further. There are now two high-quality options for every position across the backline and in goal.
Arteta also strengthened his coaching setup with the arrival of Gabriel Heinze. The former Argentina international, a league title winner in England, Spain and France with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Marseille, replaced Carlos Cuesta in the summer and has been credited with adding intensity and edge to training.
“He’s a guy, he’s a coach, where he wants us to fight — a lot of intensity,” said goalkeeper David Raya at Turf Moor.
“To win games, you have to defend very well, especially in this league. This is the toughest league in the world.
“You have to be very, very, very solid to be able to win games. Normally, the games are won by one goal.
“So, it’s really, really important to keep that asset from us, from everyone. Not just the back line, just every single player. So, it’s a lot of credit to him as well.”
Raya also highlighted the collective effort behind Arsenal’s defensive record.
“It’s incredible, not just the defence, I think it’s a collective achievement, if you want to put it that way.
“It starts from the striker, finishing with the goalkeeper. So, it’s just incredible to have that work rate from everyone, trying to shut teams down and not concede that many chances, not concede anything.
“And that’s just credit to everyone. So, it’s incredible to have that achievement.”
Arsenal now hold a six-point lead over Manchester City and sit seven clear of Liverpool, who have climbed back into third. With Arne Slot’s side set to face Pep Guardiola’s on Sunday, the Gunners know that a win at Sunderland on Saturday would extend their advantage over at least one main rival before the Interlull.
Before then, it’s back to Europe – a fourth Champions League outing and a chance to maintain their 100% record. The players will take part in an open training session this morning before flying to Prague, where Arteta will face the media.
The post Raya and Rice hail rock-solid defence, and give Heinze his flowers appeared first on Arseblog News – the Arsenal news site.
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