Arsenal's Defensive Record Falls Short of Chelsea's Legendary 2004-05 Mark
Arsenal can no longer match Chelsea's iconic Premier League defensive record from the 2004-05 season, a development that has brought particular delight to former Blues captain John Terry. The Gunners' hopes of surpassing this long-standing benchmark were dashed following a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Defensive Dip Ends Record Chase
Manchester United's unexpected victory means Arsenal have now conceded 17 goals in the Premier League this campaign. While this remains the best defensive record in the top flight currently, it falls two goals short of the legendary 15 goals conceded by Chelsea's formidable side managed by Jose Mourinho twenty-one years ago.
Speculation about Arsenal potentially breaking Chelsea's record began as early as October, when a defence expertly marshalled by Gabriel and William Saliba appeared on course to shatter what many considered an untouchable record in modern football. After the first eight Premier League matches, Arsenal had let in just three goals—a remarkable rate of 0.38 goals per game that projected to only 14.4 concessions across the entire 38-game season.
However, a recent defensive dip has put paid to those ambitious projections. Arsenal have now conceded 17 goals after 23 games, mathematically eliminating any possibility of beating Chelsea's historic achievement this season.
John Terry's Relief and Celebration
The record's preservation matters little to Arsenal's immediate title ambitions, but one person who took particular notice was Chelsea's legendary former captain John Terry. The 44-year-old, who was instrumental in that record-setting 2004-05 defence, openly celebrated Arsenal falling short.
'The record is safe for another year,' Terry wrote on social media on Sunday evening. The former England international had previously admitted to growing 'worried' about his place in the history books being erased back in November.
'I have to say I'm actually a little bit worried now,' Terry confessed at the time. '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.'
Dramatic Defeat Dents Title Hopes
The match itself proved a sickener for Arsenal, as Matheus Cunha scored a stunning late goal to complete a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory for Manchester United, significantly denting Mikel Arteta's Premier League title aspirations.
Having seen both Manchester City and Aston Villa win earlier in the weekend to reduce their championship advantage to just four points, Arsenal took a deserved lead in the 29th minute when United defender Lisandro Martinez put the ball through his own net.
However, Bryan Mbeumo capitalised on a horror backpass by Martin Zubmendi to draw United level before Patrick Dorgu unleashed a spectacular strike five minutes after half-time. Mikel Merino looked to have rescued a valuable point for Arsenal when he prodded home from a corner with just six minutes remaining.
But substitute Cunha delivered his side's second stunning goal of the evening only three minutes later, securing Michael Carrick his second victory in as many matches as United's interim manager.
This defeat at an anxiety-ridden Emirates Stadium—Arsenal's first league loss in front of their own supporters this season—is set to cast significant doubt over their hopes of ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title, compounding the disappointment of missing Chelsea's defensive record.
