By OLIVER TODD, DIGITAL HEAD OF SPORT
Published: 13:47 EST, 25 January 2026 | Updated: 13:47 EST, 25 January 2026
Arsenal now cannot match Chelsea's Premier League defensive record from 2004-05 - much to the delight of John Terry.
Manchester United's shock 3-2 victory at the Emirates Stadium takes the Gunners' goals conceded tally to 17 in the Premier League this season. And while that is the best defensive record in the top flight, it falls short of Chelsea's 15 from 21 years ago.
Talk of Arsenal beating Chelsea's record began back in October, when a defence marshalled by Gabriel and William Saliba were on track to break one of the few records viewed as untouchable in football's modern era.
After eight Premier League games Arsenal had conceded just three times - a rate of 0.38 goals per game, which had them on track to let in just 14.4 across the full 38-game season.
But a defensive dip has put paid to that. Arsenal are now on 17 goals conceded after 23 games. It will matter little to them - but one person who did notice was Chelsea's legendary captain Terry.
John Terry celebrated as Arsenal fell short on Chelsea's defensive record from 2004-05
Matheus Cunha strikes to make it 3-2 to Manchester United against Arsenal on Sunday
'The record is safe for another year,' Terry wrote on Sunday night. He was at the heart of Jose Mourinho's formidable Blues side.
Terry, 44, had admitted he was 'worried' about his place in the history book being erased in November.
'I have to say I'm actually a little bit worried now,' he said.
'I'm looking at their fixtures on a weekly basis, seeing where they're going to potentially concede goals but I have to say, I have to give them credit, they look very good at the moment.
'I still think it's going to be too much to beat our record but being honest, I'm a little nervous.'