Arsenal have made an excellent start to the new Premier League season under manager Mikel Arteta, with their defensive performance in particular attracting attention, but this has caused major worries for the Chelsea icon.
Chelsea legend John Terry has admitted he is “nervous” about Arsenal breaking the Blues’ incredible Premier League defensive record. The Gunners have had a great season so far under manager Mikel Arteta.
They sit at the top of the table with a four-point lead over Manchester City. One of Arsenal’s distinct strengths this season has been their solid defense, with the north Londoners conceding just five goals in their opening 11 games.
And with the goals conceded, Terry fears Arsenal could surpass Chelsea’s record of conceding just 15 goals in a season, set in 2004-05 when they won the title under Jose Mourinho.
Terry said on TikTok before Arsenal drew 2-2 with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light:
“I check their games every week to see where they might concede goals, but I have to say I don’t give them credit and they look very good at the moment.
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“I don’t think it’s possible to beat our record yet, but to be honest I’m a little nervous.”
While Terry has been impressed by Arsenal’s stellar defensive performance, he is less convinced about Arsenal’s other strength. Set-pieces have been a particular threat for the Gunners under Arteta, but Terry believes it is easier to find the back of the net from set-pieces in the modern era.
“From an attacking point of view, I think it’s much easier to score goals from set-pieces these days, because you can’t block, you can’t be physical with individuals in the box, you have VAR and the referee is watching it. You can stop things at any time, so it’s much easier for players to be free from opponents and players,” he added.
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“So I’m not surprised that there are a lot of teams and Arsenal is one of them. Chelsea are doing very well as well. We have our own set-piece coaching that is doing a great job.
“Arsenal also have their own team, which obviously gets a lot of headlines as well, but from an attacking point of view I think it’s much easier for Arsenal.
“To defend these set-pieces, you have to do the exact opposite of that. You can’t be physical like I said before, you can’t create blocks in the box. But I think it’s a real opportunity for the players and defenders attacking these corners to get on the scoresheet.”
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