Arsenal’s remarkable defensive strength has become one of the defining stories of the 2025/26 campaign. Under Mikel Arteta’s meticulous management, the Gunners have built a defensive unit so cohesive and disciplined that their numbers rank among the best in European football.
After ten Premier League fixtures, Arteta’s side have allowed just three goals, an average of 0.38 per game, putting them firmly on pace to challenge Chelsea’s long-standing record of 15 goals conceded during the 2004/05 season.
The foundation of this success lies not just in shutting out opponents, but in limiting their opportunities altogether. Arsenal currently face the fewest shots in the division and boast one of the lowest expected goals against (xG) tallies across Europe’s top five leagues.
Much of that consistency stems from a settled back line featuring William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, supported by full-backs whose combination of physical power and tactical awareness has made them nearly impossible to break down.
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Arteta’s philosophy has redefined Arsenal’s defensive identity. Every player, from the strikers pressing high to the goalkeeper between the posts, contributes to maintaining structure and intensity. So far, that collective approach has yielded outstanding results.
Arsenal stars Declan Rice with Eberechi Eze
Arsenal star Declan Rice celebrating with Eberechi Eze after his goal against Burnley (Image credit: Getty Images)
Goalkeeper David Raya has shed light on an important factor behind the improvement: the influence of a new face on the coaching staff.
Following a modest start to the season, which included a narrow defeat at Liverpool and a draw against Manchester City, Arsenal have surged back in commanding fashion. Five straight Premier League victories have propelled them to the top of the table, capitalising on slip-ups from rivals Liverpool and City to open up a six-point advantage.
While their attacking form, 18 goals in 10 games remains impressive, it is the defence that continues to capture attention. The Gunners have conceded just three goals during that period and are currently riding a streak of four consecutive league clean sheets.
Across all competitions, Arsenal’s back line hasn’t been breached in seven straight matches; the last player to score against them was Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade on September 28.
Raya, however, was eager to direct praise toward former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze, who joined Arteta’s staff over the summer and has quickly made his mark on the squad’s mentality.
Arsenal
David Raya with Gabriel Heinze (Image credit: Getty Images)
“He’s a guy, he’s a coach, where he wants us to fight – a lot of intensity,” Raya said after Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday. “To win games, you have to defend very well, especially in this league. This is the toughest league in the world.
“You have to be very, very, very solid to be able to win games. Normally, the games are won by one goal. So, it’s really, really important to keep that asset from us, from everyone. Not just the back line, just every single player. So, it’s a lot of credit to him as well.”
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Arteta has been equally vocal in his admiration for Heinze’s impact, praising the Argentine’s competitive drive and the edge he has brought to the dressing room.
“I think that’s something very, very collective with all the coaches, with the players, with their commitments as well and Gabi added something different, that willingness to win, I think,” Arteta said last month.
“We’ve seen that obviously through his career, that experience to win and to elevate somebody’s level and ambition and drive to the highest limit and he’s extraordinary at that.”
Arsenal
Arsenal coach Gabriel Heinze with William Saliba and Martin Zubimendi (Image credit: Getty Images)
According to Arteta, Heinze’s influence extends beyond tactics; his passion and intensity have earned him the affection of the entire squad, who “love” his approach on the training pitch.
The 47-year-old Argentine brings a wealth of managerial experience, having coached Godoy Cruz, Argentinos Juniors, Velez Sarsfield, and most recently Newell’s Old Boys before joining Arsenal in late 2023. Heinze also spent a brief spell managing MLS outfit Atlanta United.
His bond with Arteta stretches back more than twenty years to the Spaniard’s loan spell at Paris Saint-Germain during the 2001/02 season, when Heinze was a key member of the French club’s defence.
Today, that connection has evolved into a dynamic partnership on the Arsenal bench, one that appears to be shaping the Premier League’s most formidable defence and reinforcing the Gunners’ growing title ambitions.
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