Arsenal have enjoyed a stunning start to the new Premier League season under Mikel Arteta with their defensive record in particular catching the eye and it has given one Chelsea icon a major worry
John Terry
John Terry has shared his verdict on Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
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Chelsea legend John Terry has admitted that he is ‘nervous’ about Arsenal beating the Blues’ stunning Premier League defensive record. The Gunners have enjoyed an impressive season so far under Mikel Arteta.
They sit top of the table, four points clear of Manchester City. One of Arsenal’s standout strengths this season has been their rock-solid defence, with the North Londoners having conceded just five goals across their opening 11 games of the campaign.
And that run has made Terry concerned that Arsenal could potentially surpass Chelsea’s record of just 15 goals conceded in a single season - a record they set during the 2004/05 campaign as they lifted the title under Jose Mourinho.
Speaking on TikTok ahead of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, Terry said: “I have to say I'm actually a little bit worried now.
“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.”
And while Terry has been left impressed by Arsenal’s brilliant defensive record, he hasn’t been as convinced by another of their strengths. The Gunners have been particularly threatening from set-pieces under Arteta but Terry believes that it is easier to find the net from set pieces in the modern era.
He added: “I think set plays nowadays for me are way easier to score goals so from an attacking point of view. You can't block, you can't be really physical with individuals within the box as well because you have VAR, the refs looking at it, things can be stopped at any point so the freedom for these players to get free from their man and opponent is so much easier.
Arsenal
Arsenal's defence has been in great form so far this season
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“So I'm not surprised that a lot of teams and Arsenal are one of them, Chelsea are doing very well as well, we've got our own set-piece coaching who's doing a great job.
“Arsenal have their own as well that's obviously getting a lot of headlines as well but I think from an attacking point of view, I think it's a lot easier.
“Defending these set plays, you then have to be the complete opposite to that, you can't be physical like I said before, you can't make blocks within the box as well but I think it's a real opportunity for players and defenders attacking these corners to go and get on the score sheet.”
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