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ARSENAL has been the standout team in the Premier League—and possibly in Europe—this season.
Mikel Arteta has developed his squad to a level where there is genuine depth in all areas, enabling them to manage any injury or suspension challenges.
Mikel Arteta has built an Arsenal team with a formidable defenseCredit: EPA
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have established themselves as the strongest center-back pairing in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
Importantly, the profiles of players recruited or developed through the Hale End academy are well-suited for the style of play they wish to implement.
The Gunners have garnered significant attention for the quality and effectiveness of their set pieces, as well as the goals they score from them.
Moreover, they are setting records defensively with their outstanding performances.
Arsenal has not conceded a goal in any of their last eight competitive matches.
Their defensive displays have been so impressive that Arteta and his team are being compared to the 2004-05 Chelsea side, which won the title while conceding just 15 goals throughout 38 matches.
But how does this Arsenal team measure up against that squad? SunSport has taken a closer look…
THE CENTRE OF DEFENCE
A significant part of Arsenal's current success on the pitch stems from the performance of their central defenders.
The pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes has evolved into one of the most complete and well-balanced central defensive partnerships in football.
Both players are capable of defending aggressively against opposing strikers while also providing mobility and cover for each other when necessary.
Over the past 12-18 months, Arteta and his recruitment team have ensured that the squad is well-prepared with back-ups who can step in when needed.
Jakub Kiwior can play as a traditional center-back, while players like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White, and Jurrien Timber are skilled at playing centrally or as full-backs.
John Terry was key in the 2004-05 Chelsea squadCredit: Reuters
The current defensive structure at Arsenal includes players who are comfortable defending man-to-man in aggressive situations.
We often see the central defenders and full-backs isolated but holding their ground effectively against opponents.
If we look back at Chelsea's team from 2004-05, it is fair to say they also had their share of dominant defensive players like John Terry, William Gallas, and Ricardo Carvalho.
All three played crucial roles throughout that season, with Terry participating in nearly every match.
While they were powerful and aggressive defenders, the Premier League landscape has changed significantly since then.
The modern league is filled with extremely athletic and physically strong players, and the overall tempo of games is much higher now.
This increases the pressure on players who aim to defend in space and from a higher line, as Arsenal does.
However, it is essential to recognize that Terry, in particular, would fit seamlessly into this Arsenal side.
Arsenal's center-backs maintain a strong connection in the middle, while the full-backs excel at covering from the opposite side or in one-on-one defensive duels.
Considering that one of the greatest strengths of this Arsenal squad lies in their central defense, it is reasonable to assert that they are stronger than the Chelsea squad that set the record.
FULL-BACKS
Arsenal has established a structure within their squad where full-backs are robust and dominant in defensive situations.
Timber and Calafiori appear to be Arteta's first-choice full-backs, but White, Piero H
