Can Arsenal beat it? 

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“Attacks win games, defences win titles” was a maxim that was famously popularised by Sir Alex Ferguson. The legendary Manchester United manager knows a lot about lifting silverware, with the Scotsman winning 13 Premier League titles during his tenure at Old Trafford. It’s no secret that forming a resolute backline can be the backbone to a successful team and currently, Arsenal have the best defence on the planet.

Mikel Arteta has amassed a squad with an abundance of talented defenders and that’s unquestionably the biggest strength of the Gunners side, who are overwhelming favourites to be crowned champions. William Saliba, Gabriel and Jurriën Timber are all world-class defenders and Arsenal have kept an impressive 21 clean sheets in 38 games this season. Arteta’s men could still feasibly play over 20 more games this campaign, but it would require a monumental effort to eclipse the clean sheet record for a Premier League club in all competitions.

The most clean sheets in one season from a Premier League club?

Manchester United hold the record after keeping an incredible 36 clean sheets across 66 games during the 2008/09 season – which equates to more than 50%. It was a famous season for United as they ended up winning the Premier League and got to the Champions League final. As the graphic below illustrates, Chelsea dominate the list with their formidable defence the key to their success in the 2000s.

Led by John Terry, Chelsea kept 34 clean sheets during the 2004/05 campaign, which was José Mourinho’s first season in charge at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea also hold the record for the fewest goals conceded in one Premier League season, letting just 15 goals past them during 2004/05. Liverpool complete the top three after recording 33 clean sheets in 2005/06. As illustrated, Arsenal are still some way off these teams but they could feasibly climb into the top ten list, given their defensive excellence.