DESPITE Arsenal languishing in tenth spot in the table, Mikel Arteta has transformed their defence since succeeding Unai Emery at the Emirates.
The Gunners may have already lost eight games in the top-flight so far, but the club boast the second best defensive record in the league.
Arsenal have improved defensively under Mikel Arteta since he succeeded Unai Emery
Only Manchester City have conceded fewer than the 20 goals the North Londoners have shipped.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last seven top-flight fixtures – winning five and drawing twice.
And in their last six Premier League matches, Arsenal have kept five clean sheets, with the only goal they conceded coming in the 3-1 victory against Southampton.
Their upturn in defending has partly been due to the summer arrivals of defender Gabriel as well as defensive midfielder Thomas Partey.
Meanwhile Rob Holding has starred this term when partnered alongside either Gabriel, David Luiz and Pablo Mari.
On average under Arteta, Arsenal have conceded just one goal a match from his 41 games in charge in the top-flight.
This is lower than Emery’s average 1.4 conceded per game from his 51 fixtures at the helm.
Arsenal have already kept 15 clean sheets under Arteta, more than the ten clean sheets when Emery was in control.
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Another defensive stat that is in Arteta’s favour is the club have faced fewer shots every game at 12.4, as opposed to the 14.1 under Emery.
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Though in contrast, Emery’s Arsenal were better offensively, as they scored 1.8 goals every match, compared to 1.4 with Arteta ruling the roost.
Emery’s side also had an average possession of 57.7 per cent – higher than 52.4 under Arteta.
Arsenal also average just 10.8 shots per game under Arteta, with Emery’s squad managing 12.3.
The Gunners are the lowest scoring side in the top half of the table this term.
Though this has partly been due to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s poor form up top, with the skipper having just five Premier League goals to his name to far.
However the signs are bright for Arteta going forward, with the club scoring 13 goals in their last seven league games after putting his faith in the youngsters.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
