Rio Ferdinand (C) of Manchester United fights for the ball with Ricardo Carvalho and John Terry (R) of Chelsea during the Champions League
Photo by Dima Korotayev/Epsilon/Getty Images
Chelsea set a Premier League record in the 2004/05 season, conceding just 15 goals, as Ricardo Carvalho formed a legendary centre-back partnership with John Terry. It was the first season in England for both Carvalho and manager Jose Mourinho, who arrived from Porto.
The previous season, Arsenal went unbeaten in all 38 Premier League matches, winning 26 and drawing 12 to earn their famous Invincibles status. The two achievements are often compared, and Carvalho has now given his verdict on which feat could be repeated first.
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Ricardo Carvalho compares Chelsea’s record of conceding 15 goals with Arsenal’s Invincibles
Ricardo Carvalho has admitted he would find it difficult to choose between Chelsea’s defensive record and Arsenal’s Invincibles achievement. Asked which feat he would rather be part of, the Chelsea legend told The Obi One podcast: “I don’t know. To be fair, I’m a defender so just conceding [15] goals is a big achievement. But, of course, not losing in a season is unbelievable and you have to give credit to Arsenal.”
What is Chelsea's best XI when everyone is fit? Here is our team! – What do you think?
Neto gotta be in for a shout surely?
Shuffle Estevao and Neto equally Lacroix besides Colwill at the center Shuffle Acheampong with James and Lacroix Henderson shuffles with Lavia Barco shuffles with Caicedo
I don't think anyone would question the midfield or forwards based on what we have seen so far this season, but if Estevao does not deliver or track back then Neto gets in. Defence is the main issue and Josh has to play IMO. My doubt is Reece because of his ftness
Arsenal looked capable of challenging Chelsea’s record under Mikel Arteta last season, with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba forming an excellent centre-back partnership and David Raya impressing in goal. However, they eventually finished the campaign with 27 goals conceded, falling well short of the Blues’ benchmark.
Carvalho was keeping a close eye on Arsenal’s progress and thought they could “come close” to the record before they fell away. “Last year, Arsenal were defending so well. I thought they could come close. But I saw John Terry celebrating [when the record was safe],” he added.
The Portuguese defender ultimately believes Chelsea’s defensive record is more likely to be broken than Arsenal’s unbeaten achievement. “I think so. It’s not easy but it can be possible,” Carvalho said.
Ricardo Carvalho reflects on formidable partnership with John Terry at Chelsea
Ricardo Carvalho and John Terry are widely regarded as one of the greatest centre-back partnerships in Premier League history, with the pair enjoying six successful years together at Stamford Bridge. Despite arriving from Porto without speaking English, Carvalho immediately developed an understanding with the Chelsea captain and became a key part of their defence.
Their contrasting qualities made them an excellent pairing, with Terry’s strength and aerial ability complemented by Carvalho’s agility and pace. That understanding continued from their first season together, when Chelsea conceded just 15 goals, until Carvalho eventually left for Real Madrid in 2010.
“It’s difficult to talk about it because it’s a feeling you get,” the former Portugal international explained. “Sometimes you have players that, if they are there, you feel you are going to perform with them. And that was the feeling. I didn’t speak English, so I learned a lot of bad words from him. But I understood his game and he understood my game. I complemented him and he complemented me.
“I knew that when the long balls went into central areas, he loved to go for it. I would never go with him. I always let him go. Of course, when it was my side, I had to go and he had to cover, but when it was more central, he was too strong, so I let him go. If he missed it, I would cover him.
He continued: “There was a small problem with him. He takes a little bit of time to turn. And that was my strength. When he needed me, I was ready for it because I was agile and I could cover for him.”