Arsenal are superbly organized at the back. Opponents simply cannot find a way to score against the leaders of England. In fact, the Gunners faced only one shot on target in the entire month of October in the Premier League.
Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday extended not just their lead at the top of the Premier League, but also one of the most remarkable defensive runs in recent club history.
The result capped a flawless October in which Mikel Arteta’s side did not concede a single goal across five matches in all competitions, continuing to project the kind of discipline and maturity that define genuine title contenders.
The statistics tell their own story. Goalkeeper David Raya has been called into action just once in three Premier League fixtures this month, and that solitary save was enough to secure yet another clean sheet. Arsenal’s defensive unit has been organized, compact, and relentless in closing spaces, making it nearly impossible for opponents to create clear-cut chances. Their consistency has carried over into Europe, where they recorded convincing shutout victories against Olympiakos Piraeus and Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.
Across nine Premier League matches this season, Arsenal have conceded only three goals. To put that in perspective, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have let in seven each, while both Manchester United and Liverpool have already allowed fourteen. Those numbers underline Arsenal’s transformation from a team known primarily for its attacking flair to one built on structure, balance, and tactical intelligence. The shift reflects a broader evolution under Mikel Arteta, who has methodically reshaped the team’s mentality and defensive habits since taking charge.
BBC analyst and former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott believes this defensive resilience could be the decisive factor in the title race. “The champions of the past didn’t concede many goals either,” he said. “That’s the foundation. Arsenal believe they’ll get chances, and they trust their quality to take them.” Walcott added that Arsenal’s strength this season is not flashy dominance, but quiet control the ability to win games even when performances are far from perfect.
Walcott was candid about the team’s style, admitting that Arsenal have not always played their most attractive football this year. Yet, in his view, that’s a sign of progress rather than decline. “They’re grinding out results,” he explained. “That’s down to Mikel Arteta. He keeps them focused and sharp. Even when things don’t click, they find a way.” He pointed to the early substitution of Bukayo Saka as a sign of healthy competition and accountability within the squad. “No one is safe. That’s how you build champions everyone has to stay switched on.”
Arteta himself expressed immense pride after the narrow victory over Palace, emphasizing the team’s effort and commitment. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said, “The players really deserved it. The way they fight, the way they play, the way they want to win it’s brilliant. The substitutes again made a huge impact. It shows the depth and unity we have.” Arteta noted how small details now decide Premier League games, insisting that consistency in intensity and precision is what separates the best teams from the rest. “You have to be excellent every week if you want to keep winning,” he added.
Crystal Palace, for their part, showed resilience and organization, but struggled to break through Arsenal’s compact defense. Defender Chris Richards admitted after the game that his team had been outmatched by a superior opponent. “Arsenal are a very good side and they deserved the win,” Richards said. “Everyone knows how solid they are defensively. We had a few moments but couldn’t take them. Set pieces are probably their biggest strength right now. They’re the best team in the league for a reason.”
Arsenal’s defensive excellence is not limited to the back four. Declan Rice has been a dominant force in midfield, shielding the defense, breaking up transitions, and dictating tempo with calm authority. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães continue to grow as one of Europe’s most dependable center-back partnerships, while Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko provide both width and tactical flexibility from the flanks. The balance between defensive discipline and controlled aggression has been key, allowing Arsenal to suffocate opponents without sacrificing attacking potential.
The Gunners’ October record speaks volumes:
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiakos Piraeus — 01-10-2025
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham United — 04-10-2025
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal — 18-10-2025
Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid — 21-10-2025
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace — 26-10-2025
They will close the month with a home clash against Brighton & Hove Albion on October 29, a match that could extend their unbeaten run and further consolidate their position at the top of both domestic and European standings.
For Arteta, the bigger picture is about sustainability maintaining intensity across competitions and managing squad fitness as the fixtures pile up. Arsenal have shown that they can dominate possession-based games and also suffer intelligently when needed. They are winning through structure, trust, and a growing sense of invincibility, the hallmarks of a team that may finally be ready to reclaim the Premier League crown.
