Arsenal’s 2–0 win at Sunderland has strengthened belief that Mikel Arteta’s side could mount a serious challenge to one of the Premier League’s most enduring defensive records.
The champions maintained their perfect start to the league season at the Stadium of Light, although they were made to work for the points. David Raya preserved the deadlock in the second half when he saved Enzo Le Fée’s penalty, turning the effort onto the post after Ezri Konsa was penalised for holding Dan Ballard.
Arsenal responded immediately. Just 121 seconds after Raya’s save, substitute Bruno Guimarães struck a superb effort in off the underside of the crossbar to score his first goal for the club. Bukayo Saka then sealed the victory with a stoppage-time penalty after Sunderland defender Reinildo Mandava was sent off for a second bookable offence.
The result gave Arsenal four wins from four Premier League matches and another clean sheet. Across all competitions, Arteta’s team have conceded only once in their opening five fixtures, a start that has prompted former Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino to suggest they could challenge Chelsea’s historic defensive mark.
“I call them the anaconda team because they literally suffocate you and strangle you,” Cascarino told talkSPORT. “In every department they are brilliant. They are the team, to me, who could beat Chelsea’s goals-against column.”
Chelsea’s record of 15 goals conceded was set during their 2004–05 title-winning season under José Mourinho. Cascarino said he had once considered that achievement untouchable, but believes Arsenal’s collective organisation and ability to limit opponents could put it under pressure.
“What Chelsea achieved a number of years ago I thought would never get beaten,” Cascarino said. “This Arsenal team, whether it’s this one this season or even further down the line, they are going to concede so few goals.”
Arsenal’s next challenge will be sustaining that defensive level over the remaining 34 league matches. Raya’s penalty save, the recovery after a contentious spot-kick decision and the match-winning impact of Guimarães showed why the Gunners are increasingly being viewed as the division’s most complete defensive side.
