Arsenal are showing that they are more than just a defensive team

Without a doubt, Arsenal have the best defense in the league. Statistics prove it last season: only 29 goals were conceded and David Raya won the Golden Glove. Their defensive approach in the opening games of this season also has context. At 11 against 11, the statistics are between Arsenal and Manchester City until the red card. The same was true against Brighton. They also secured a 1-0 win against their rivals Tottenham, a traditionally unpredictable game.

Mikel Arteta doesn’t plan for his team to play defensively; The circumstances of the game often require this. Against PSG, Arsenal limited them to 0.31 xG, the lowest ever recorded for the French club in a Champions League match since Opta began collecting data.

xG (Expected Goals) evaluates the quality of scoring opportunities in a soccer game by assigning a numerical value to each shot. It reflects the probability of a goal occurring based on factors such as the type of shot or the assist.

This highlights Arsenal’s ability to adapt – attacking when needed and defending when needed – and proves they don’t just have one style, but adapt to the opposition.

The duo William Saliba and Gabriel have become impressive personalities in recent years. The addition of Jurrien Timber and Ricardo Calafiori, who have integrated seamlessly into the team, will strengthen this defense. Calafiori in particular was a revelation. The Italian ranks first among Premier League full-backs in tackles, aerial duels and accurate passes this season. At just 22 years old, he is a star in the making.

Adaptability makes Arsenal elite

Another area of ​​focus was Arsenal’s reliance on set-piece goals. This highlights how effective they are in this area. Last season, Arsenal scored the most free-fall goals in the Premier League with 22. Gabriel was crucial, scoring 16 Premier League goals – more than any other defender since his debut. This strength shows her ability to be dangerous on both ends of the field.

The Gunners had the second strongest attack in the league last season. Their offensive firepower remains a serious threat, with Bukayo Saka leading the leaderboard with seven assists so far. Kai Havertz is also in top form. After his goal against, he equaled Robin van Persie’s record of seven goals as an Arsenal player to score in the most consecutive games at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal recorded 35 shots against Leicester, 16 of which were on target – their highest tally since the 2003/2004 season. They also created nine big chances, setting a Premier League record for the season. This performance shows that Arsenal are far from being a purely defensive team. Their attacking prowess was on full display.

The underlying numbers were also impressive in 11v11 play. Their expected goals (xG) are among the highest. The xG chart below, combined with expected goals conceded (xGA) during open play, shows Arsenal’s ability to not only create quality chances but also limit their opponents’ chances. Ultimately, they excel both offensively and defensively.

They currently top the table in this metric, which is particularly impressive given the challenges they have faced – such as red cards and tough away games against Spurs and Aston Villa.

Arsenal’s ability to adapt, whether through attacking dominance or defensive solidity, shows their evolution into a balanced, well-rounded team. One thing is certain: they will fight for the title again this season.

PHOTOS: IMAGO