As much as assaulting flair usually headlines the news, what has really made Arsenal dominate the early season has been a defensive unit that has made it very strong including in its history. Not only are the statistics impressive, they are historic. They are an iron-clad platform on which they stand at the top of the Premier League.
A Statistical Fortress
The figures depict an image of utter primacy. They won against Fulham 1-0 in the recent game. Gunners had accomplished a tremendous goal in their history. They had played several games in the premier league and had not been shot at once. Such appalling degree of control forms the foundation of a campaign that has in its first eight games yielded no more than three goals. The best defensive performance in the division. This is reminiscent of the legendary strength of Invincibles of 2003/04. A comparison that is now long since a far-fetched, nostalgic one.
The Pillars of Defence
It is a team work and it is well integrated, an effort organized by Mikel Arteta and executed flawlessly. The collaboration of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back is now the toughest in the league. Both players are demonstrating physical supremacy and smartness in reading the game. They are perfectly covered with the mid field engine of Declan Rice whose defensive coverage and ball winning skills have been redefining. This whole teamwork is taking care of the back line and launching assaults.
A Proactive System, Not a Passive Block
It is much more than the deep-lying defensive block. The advantage of Arsenal is an aggressive, high-press system that suffocates their opponents even before they get to the final third. It is a masterpiece in tactical discipline, in which all the players, including the striker, the full-backs, etc., act cohesively to gain possession and avert danger in its origin. This synchronized teamwork renders them a very tough and frustrating team to do business with.
The Foundation for Glory
As a team that aspires to title, no defense can come for compromise. The current backline of Arsenal is not only reliable, but it is record-breaking. It offers a strong base to the attacking talents and gives them freedom and self-confidence to play since one goal is usually sufficient to win. It is this fortitude in defence that transforms rivals into champions and it is the major factor that has made Arsenal to be once more serious challengers of the title race.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
