Mikel Arteta has explained that instilling a love of defending throughout his side has enabled them to achieve the league's best defensive record.
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Arsenal have best defensive record in the leagueKey additions to squad improved stabilityFace City in key title-deciding gameWHAT HAPPENED?
Arteta explained that his team's impressive defending this season can be credited not just to his back four, but also his attacking players. When Arteta took over in north London, the Gunners were physically weak and incredibly error-prone defensively. Yet, just four-and-a-half years on, Arsenal have looked impenetrable at times. They will need all their defensive nous and acumen to see off Manchester City on Sunday if they are to continue their title pursuit.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT ARTETA SAID
Speaking to, Arteta said: "The key is that everybody goes 100 miles per hour for every ball. Our strikers, our wingers, our attacking midfielders, they have a love for defending.
"Installing that within the players is something really important. Applauding and paying compliments to that as well, so when those defensive actions happen, they are valued as much as the attacking ones. If you want to win consistently, that door has to be shut."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Arteta has transformed his team into very effective pressers of the opposition and this is often led from the front by Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz or Gabriel Jesus. At times, it can feel as if the Gunners are suffocating their opposition. Yet, while Arteta is keen to praise his whole side, the addition of Declan Rice in front of an ever-growing centre-half pairing of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba has been integral to their success. Arsenal have conceded just 24 goals in the Premier League this season but will have their work cut out to stop top-scorer Erling Haaland on Sunday.
(C)Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT FOR ARTETA?
Arteta faces his biggest challenge of the season as Arsenal travel to Manchester aiming to dispel demons of last season. The Gunners faltered in a 4-1 defeat at the Etihad in 2022-23, handing City the impetus to win the title, and will be doing everything to avoid relinquishing their slender lead at the top of the league.