CORNERFLICK
Arsenal’s defence heads into Sunday night’s trip to Liverpool with the best numbers in the Premier League this season, and that clean sheet record could be tested again at Anfield.
Arsenal’s defensive record
Mikel Arteta’s side have five clean sheets this season, more than any other Premier League team. They have also faced only 24 shots on target, while opponents have generated just 6.2 expected goals and 11 big chances against them.
In 2026, Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in 56% of their league matches, with David Raya’s goal intact in 15 of 27 games. That is the club’s third-best calendar-year record, behind 1998 at 61% and 1903 at 59%.
Liverpool’s forwards are improving
Liverpool’s attackers are arriving in better form. Florian Wirtz has directly contributed to three goals in his last four games, while his shot against Brighton last weekend led to an own goal and gave Liverpool the lead.
Bradley Barcola has also made a strong impact, with five goal involvements in his last four matches, scoring three and setting up two.
Alexander Isak has gone one better. The Sweden forward has scored six times in his last six Premier League games, and Liverpool have scored nine in that run. His form gives Liverpool a sharper edge, and breaking through Arsenal’s back line remains a different task entirely.