Arsenal's stunning recent defensive record is going massively under the radar

Arsenal's game against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon was a compelling, fast-paced encounter packed with excellent passing moves and intricate play in the final third.

However, the Gunners achieved this exciting game state without surrendering their defensive principles. Chelsea finished the match having amassed just 0.39 expected goals, despite it feeling as though they'd put together some dangerous attacks.

The general mainstream perception seems to be that the Blues played a somewhat even game, and that they spurned several chances. However, the data shows that Arsenal created this illusion by allowing Chelsea to break into spaces on numerous occasions in the first half, before their excellent defenders prevented these moments from leading to good chances.

Towards the end of the season half, Arsenal ceded possession to their West London counterparts, who were unable to unlock Mikel Arteta's team's backline. Xabi Alonso's side were limited to speculative potshots from outstide the box.

So, not only was this an excellent offensive game from Arsenal, but they were also as resolute defensively as they always are, even if they were slightly more open than usual.

Chelsea's 0.4 expected goals take Arsenal's total xG conceded in the league this season to 0.9. This means they're currently averaging 0.3 xG against per 90 minutes. This is simply astounding.

The team with the next-lowest xG conceded across the opening three matches of the season is Manchester City, with 2.8 xG against. Arsenal are already miles clear of the next best defence, and the season has barely even started.

There is so much criticism labelled at Arsenal (largely from those who aren't fond of the North Londoners and are looking for 'copium') about their style of play. However, style of play and the level at which Arsenal are playing at are often conflated.

Even if Arteta's side don't always excite, they are producing defensive numbers that have almost never been seen before in any top league ever. This alone should quash any narrative about Arsenal being one of the worst teams to win the league in modern times.

In their last 12 competitive matches, the Gunners have conceded just two non-penalty goals. These goals were Jean-Philippe Mateta's consolation away at Crystal Palace when Arsenal had already won the league, and Morgan Rogers' long-range effort on Sunday.

This 12-match period includes the title run-in, when the Gunners were under enormous amounts of pressure, both legs of the Champions League semi-final tie against Atletico Madrid, the final against Paris Saint-Germain and matches against Manchester City and Chelsea.

To have remained this unbelievably tight at the back during this run is astonishing, and it's simply not being talked about enough. One non-penalty goal in their last 11 matches that have meant anything. One in 11. This is a level of defensive security few teams have ever reached.

Arteta, his coaching staff and his players deserve more respect.

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