Recreating the 'steel wall,' Arsenal approaches Manchester United's legendary record

The 1-0 win against Crystal Palace at Emirates secured Arsenal another crucial three points and highlighted an impressive defensive achievement.

The only goal of the match came from Eberechi Eze, a former Crystal Palace player, helping Arsenal edge the win and extend their lead at the top of the table to 4 points. The London club now leads Manchester City by six points and Liverpool by seven. Notably, this was their fifth consecutive clean sheet across all competitions, clearly demonstrating the discipline and tight organization of their defense.

According to statistics from OptaJoe, the win against Palace pushed Arsenal to reach 100 consecutive matches without conceding 3 or more goals, a feat only previously achieved by Manchester United during the 2016–2018 period with 107 matches.

The last time Arsenal conceded three goals was in a thrilling 4-3 win over Luton Town in December 2023, when Declan Rice scored a stoppage-time header. Since then, Arteta’s team has turned defensive solidity into an “art form,” which is rare for such a young squad as Arsenal.

This record clearly reflects the remarkable progress Arsenal have made under Mikel Arteta’s leadership. From set-piece organization to transfer policies, every detail has been meticulously planned. The arrival of players like William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, along with new signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié, has strengthened the depth and quality of the defense.

Arteta’s tactics demand the team give 100% effort when out of possession, and the players have fully embraced this philosophy. While the attack provides the spark, it is the solid defense that forms the foundation for Arsenal’s return as serious title contenders.

If they maintain this form, breaking Manchester United’s 107-match record will be only a matter of time, potentially marking a new chapter in Arsenal’s historic season.