Arsenal’s title to lose: Peerless defence and depth make Gunners EPL’s most complete team

“Attack wins games, defence wins titles,” Alex Ferguson famously said. And it’s a message Arsenal seem to be taking to heart as they chase a first league championship in more than two decades.

The Gunners not only look like champions — they have the control, composure, defensive solidity and consistency that champions are made of. While there’s still a long way to go in the Premier League title race, the title increasingly feels like Arsenal’s to lose.

What sets this Arsenal side apart from Mikel Arteta’s nearly men of the past two seasons is not flamboyance or flair, but something far rarer in north London: ruthless efficiency.

The Gunners have become the hardest side in the Premier League to score against, boasting the best defensive record in the division — and in Europe — with a backline that looks almost impenetrable.

With David Raya in goal and the commanding centre-back partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, it’s no wonder there are favourable comparisons with the legendary Arsenal duo of Tony Adams and Steve Bould, who had the assurance of goalkeeper David Seaman behind them.

“One-nil to the Arsenal” was the regular chant then, and it seems to be making a comeback. Few Arsenal fans will mind, though, if it brings them the title.

And just like that famous defensive unit, clean sheets have become Arsenal’s trademark this campaign. They’ve conceded a remarkable three goals in nine league games, underpinned by impressive depth in reserve — with Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapié and Myles Lewis-Skelly all stepping up when called upon.

Last season’s collapse was precipitated by an injury to Saliba, as Arsenal lost their rhythm, edge and eventually their way in the title race. This time, they’ve shown the ability to cope seamlessly with injuries to key players — and to rotate intelligently to avoid fatigue as the campaign wears on.

This adaptability extends beyond the backline. The acquisitions of Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Martín Zubimendi have eased the creative and physical burden on the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.

Their new-found resilience has also been evident in recent wins against sides that troubled them last season — Sunday’s gritty 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace a prime example that revenge is a dish best served cold.

Equally significant is what’s happening elsewhere. Champions Liverpool have lost their way after a perfect start, with Arne Slot struggling for answers to their current malaise, while an inconsistent Manchester City have yet to rediscover the relentless rhythm that made them perennial favourites under Pep Guardiola.

Manchester United are showing signs of progress under Rúben Amorim but still appear some way off being genuine contenders, while Chelsea seem to be regressing under Enzo Maresca.

A top four of Arsenal, Bournemouth, Spurs and Sunderland is proof of the topsy-turvy nature of the season so far — but Arsenal stand apart for their unmatched combination of elite defence, tactical discipline and squad depth.

Even talk of a treble or quadruple may not be too far-fetched given their start to the Champions League group stage, where they are yet to concede a goal. Their dismantling of Atlético Madrid in their last outing was a loud warning shot to rivals of their intent.

Of course, Arsenal fans know better than anyone that leading in October or November guarantees nothing. But there’s a maturity to this team now — a quiet assurance forged by the heartbreaks of recent seasons.

Arteta has become more pragmatic, less wedded to perfect football, and more aware that titles are won through control rather than spectacle.

The Gunners have learned the hard way how quickly momentum can unravel. This season, they’re showing they’ve learned how to hold onto it. The Premier League’s most complete team is also its most composed.

If Arsenal don’t win it this time, they’ll have only themselves to blame.

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