Tom Weber
Tom Weber
Updated: 1 Nov 2025 18:01 GMT
4 min read
Bukayo Saka, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2025/26
© IMAGO
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed the 'incredible' quality that is leading his team to Premier League glory.
The Gunners extended their lead at the summit of the Premier League to seven points on Saturday afternoon after cruising to a comfortable 2-0 win at Turf Moor.
Arsenal could easily have defeated Burnley by more than just two goals, but the outcome of the game was never in doubt. Arsenal have by far the best defence in the league, and this game was further proof that they are simply a level above the rest.
The North London giants have conceded just three goals in 10 Premier League outings so far this season. Mikel Arteta is clearly heeding the advice of Sir Alex Ferguson that defences win titles.
Arsenal have not conceded a goal across all competitions since their 2-1 away win at Newcastle at the end of September. David Raya has kept nine clean sheets in 12 appearances.
Arteta hails 'incredible' hunger to defend
Arsenal's defence-first approach used to be a stick to beat Arteta with, but it has become something the Gunners can be immensely proud of. The players have a hunger not to concede, which the Spaniard believes is the key to their success this season.
"Well, I think, again, the spirit is in action at the end, after a corner from Declan [Rice], that Ethan [Nwaneri] doesn't win the duel there. And you see 10 players sprinting 80 metres," he said after the game. "Incredible. If we play with that desire, with that focus, with that discipline, we will win a lot of games."
David Raya kept another clean sheet
© IMAGO - David Raya kept another clean sheet
Arteta is 'very happy' about the result, but he did admonish his players for 'dropping the standard' in the second half. "I think the first half was one of the best that we've played," he explained. "Scored two goals, generated another two or three big chances and conceded nothing.
"That was a platform because in the second half we dropped the standard, especially with the ball and with our intentions to take more risks, to play more forward. But again, defensively, we were exceptional."
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