Former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has identified Arsenal’s defensive organization as a significant advantage in their quest to retain the Premier League title. Following a campaign where the Gunners ended a 22-year drought by finishing seven points clear of Manchester City, their defensive record remains a standout feature. Last season, the team conceded only 27 goals and secured 19 clean sheets, a standard they have maintained into the current 2026-27 term.
Speaking to Football.London, Pulis acknowledged that while various factors can “change the course of the tide” throughout a season, the Gunners look “very, very, very good at the moment.” Arsenal has conceded just a single goal across their opening three league fixtures, signaling a continuation of the defensive discipline that helped them overcome Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea in the title race.
The north London side has enjoyed a perfect start to the 2026-27 campaign, which began with a 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Community Shield. Their league form has been equally impressive, starting with a 3-0 win against Coventry City at the Emirates, where Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard all found the net. This was followed by a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Villa Park, secured by a Saka strike.
Most recently, on September 6, Arsenal overcame an early deficit against Chelsea after Morgan Rogers scored in the second minute. Goals from Havertz and Odegaard ensured a 2-1 turnaround for the hosts. Currently sitting second in the standings, trailing Manchester City only on goal difference, the team is now preparing for a UEFA Champions League clash against Napoli on September 9, followed by a Premier League match against Sunderland on September 12. The report also notes that kai Havertz (15′), Bukayo Saka (23′), and Martin Odegaard (49′) secured a comfortable win for them. The report also notes that they then beat Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park courtesy of a Saka (59′) goal in a thrilling contest. The report also notes that tony Pulis has praised Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup.
