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Arsenal’s performances this season have left fans and pundits alike in awe, particularly when it comes to their defensive setup. Jamie Carragher, a respected voice in football analysis, recently highlighted a tactical approach from the Gunners that he describes as unprecedented in the game. So, what’s behind this defensive masterclass, and how is Mikel Arteta rewriting the script for Arsenal’s backline?
The Gunners have transformed into a defensive juggernaut, with their ability to neutralize even the most potent attacks earning widespread praise. Carragher pointed out Arsenal’s knack for suffocating opponents by deploying a unique strategy: allowing the opposition to hold possession in non-threatening areas while ruthlessly cutting off dangerous moves. This disciplined approach has seen Arsenal concede fewer goals than almost any other Premier League side this campaign, a testament to Arteta’s tactical evolution.
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Key to this setup are the dynamic duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. Their partnership at the heart of the defense combines physicality, intelligence, and pinpoint positioning. Whether it’s Saliba’s composure under pressure or Gabriel’s relentless aerial dominance, Arsenal’s center-backs are setting a new standard. Flanked by versatile full-backs like Ben White and Jurrien Timber, the Gunners’ backline operates as a cohesive unit, seamlessly switching between aggressive pressing and compact defending.
Arsenal have conceded three goals this season.
That’s their best defensive record after 12 games in their entire history.
Mikel Arteta’s side have set a new club record. pic.twitter.com/ReawPQVcZB
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) October 21, 2025
What makes Arsenal’s approach stand out, as Carragher noted, is their ability to manipulate the game’s tempo. Unlike traditional defensive setups that rely on parking the bus or absorbing pressure, Arsenal’s system is proactive. They lure opponents into traps, forcing errors in midfield before launching rapid counter-attacks. Declan Rice’s role as the midfield anchor has been pivotal, breaking up play and shielding the defense with relentless energy.
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This tactic isn’t just about sitting deep—it’s about controlling the game without the ball. Arsenal’s players are drilled to perfection, knowing exactly when to press and when to hold their shape. It’s a strategy that’s caught the eye of analysts and frustrated opponents, with teams like Manchester City and Liverpool struggling to break through Arsenal’s defensive wall this season.
What’s got Carragher so animated is Arsenal’s sheer inevitability from corners. He confessed, “I’m a Liverpool supporter, I’m watching Arsenal and every time they get a corner, my head is in my hands. I’ve never seen anything like this before in football. I think the whole football world feel every time they get a corner, they’re going to score a goal.”
As a die-hard Red, his reluctant admiration speaks volumes—Arsenal’s routines are so polished that even neutral observers brace for impact. The deliveries from the likes of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice whip in with venom, often finding Gabriel or feet in the six-yard box. This psychological edge alone demoralises opponents before the ball is even crossed.
Mikel Arteta’s influence is undeniable. His meticulous planning and emphasis on collective responsibility have turned Arsenal into a side that’s as tough to beat as it is exciting to watch. Fans at the Emirates are witnessing a team that combines grit with flair, a far cry from the defensive frailties of years past. Carragher’s observation underscores what Arsenal fans have been buzzing about: Arsenal are doing something extraordinary, blending tactical innovation with raw determination.
As Arsenal continue their push for silverware, this defensive resilience could be the key to unlocking major success. With upcoming fixtures against top rivals, Arteta’s men will need to maintain this tactical edge. Can they keep defying expectations and cement their place as one of Europe’s elite? For now, Arsenal fans can revel in a team that’s rewriting the rules of defending—and making history in the process.
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