"But in conceding just three times in the opening eight games this term - giving them a three-point lead in top spot - their already-impressive defence has improved to such a historic level they may not need to score many more goals after all. And it's a good thing too because, while the Gunners' attack is slightly better than last season, it's still a far cry from their title challenge in 2023-24 when they averaged 2.4 goals per game."
"With Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz among the creative players currently sidelined with injuries, Arsenal's attack may well improve as the season goes on. But if it doesn't, will their defence be enough to lift the top-flight trophy for the first time since 2004? Of the 33 sides to win the Premier League, only six have won it conceding the fewest goals and not scoring the most (18%)."
"The last team to succeed in such fashion was Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool in 2019-20, who ended their 30-year title wait despite scoring 17 goals fewer than Manchester City's 102 that season. But Arsenal have had the best defence in the last two seasons and still finished second, so what's potentially different this time around? While it's still early days, we're not just looking at them having the best defence this season but one of the best in any Premier League campaign."
Arsenal have conceded only three goals in their opening eight Premier League games, giving them a three-point lead and a defence at a historic level. At a rate of 0.38 goals conceded per game they would allow just 14 across a season, breaking Chelsea's 2004-05 record of 15. The attack currently averages 1.88 goals per game, well below the 2.4 average from 2023-24. Several creative players are sidelined with injury and could boost scoring later. Historically, only six of 33 champions conceded the fewest but did not score the most.
Read at www.bbc.com
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