Arsenal now cannot match Chelsea’s Premier League defensive record from 2004-05 – much to the delight of John Terry.
Manchester United’s shock 3-2 victory at the Emirates Stadium takes the Gunners’ goals conceded tally to 17 in the Premier League this season. And while that is the best defensive record in the top flight, it falls short of Chelsea’s 15 from 21 years ago.
Talk of Arsenal beating Chelsea’s record began back in October, when a defence marshalled by Gabriel and William Saliba were on track to break one of the few records viewed as untouchable in football’s modern era.
After eight Premier League games Arsenal had conceded just three times – a rate of 0.38 goals per game, which had them on track to let in just 14.4 across the full 38-game season.
But a defensive dip has put paid to that. Arsenal are now on 17 goals conceded after 23 games. It will matter little to them – but one person who did notice was Chelsea’s legendary captain Terry.
John Terry celebrated as Arsenal fell short on Chelsea’s defensive record from 2004-05
Matheus Cunha strikes to make it 3-2 to Manchester United against Arsenal on Sunday
‘The record is safe for another year,’ Terry wrote on Sunday night. He was at the heart of Jose Mourinho’s formidable Blues side.
In a video, he added: ‘January the 25th, 2026 and the record is safe. Man United 2, Arsenal 1. Still 25 minutes to go but the record is safe for another season. So Petr Cech, Paolo Ferrera, Ricky Carvalho, William Gallas, it’s time to celebrate with a bottle or a glass of red wine.
‘I’m going for the bottle for celebration tonight. But guys let me know your thoughts. Can this record of 15 goals conceded in one season ever be beaten? I’m saying no. I have to say I was a little bit worried the way Arsenal started the season and how well they started but it’s only January and the record has already gone and it’s safe for another year.
‘I still get frustrated today, it could have been sub 10.’
Terry, 44, had admitted he was ‘worried’ about his place in the history book being erased in November.
‘I have to say I’m actually a little bit worried now,’ he said.
‘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.’
It was a sickener for Arsenal on Sunday, as Matheus Cunha scored a stunning late goal to complete a thrilling 3-2 comeback win and dent Mike Arteta’s Premier League title bid.
Having seen both Manchester City and Aston Villa win to reduce their championship advantage to four points, Arsenal took a deserved lead in the 29th minute when United defender Lisandro Martinez put the ball through his own net.
Cunha celebrates as Arsenal’s title hopes were dented – but they remain clear at the top
However, Bryan Mbeumo capitalised on a horror backpass by Martin Zubmendi to draw United level before Patrick Dorgu unleashed a stunning 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 six minutes to go.
But substitute Cunha delivered his side’s second stunning goal of the evening only three minutes later as Michael Carrick landed his second win in as many matches as United’s interim manager.
Arsenal’s defeat at an anxiety-ridden Emirates – their first in the league in front of their own supporters this season – is set to cast significant doubt over their hopes of ending their 22-year wait for the title.
