Arsenal’s defense has been rock solid this season — tighter than a goalkeeper’s gloves in winter.
But as Mikel Arteta’s men prepare for a tricky London derby at Craven Cottage, an old friend could be plotting to spoil the party.
The Gunners travel to Fulham aiming to extend a remarkable club record.
They’ve gone six straight Premier League games without allowing 10 or more shots from an opponent — their longest such run since records began. One more, and they’ll stand alone in the history books.
For Arsenal, it’s not just about clean sheets — it’s about control. The backline of Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori has been in perfect sync, shutting down attacks before they even start.
Across all competitions, Arteta’s side has conceded just three goals in ten matches. That’s the kind of defensive stat that makes even the most attack-minded managers jealous.
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A familiar face could ruin the rhythm for Arsenal
But if there’s one man who knows how to break Arsenal’s rhythm, it’s Alex Iwobi.
The former Hale End graduate — now wearing Fulham white — has quietly become one of the Premier League’s most creative attackers.
He’s made eight line-breaking passes into the penalty area this season, second only to Bruno Fernandes.
And with fellow ex-Gunners Bernd Leno and Emile Smith Rowe also in Marco Silva’s lineup, Saturday’s clash has a few storylines that could sting Arsenal hearts.
Craven Cottage hasn’t been the happiest hunting ground for the league leaders lately either — they’ve failed to win there in their last two visits.
Still, Arteta’s men enter the fixture full of belief. A win would not only extend their defensive record but also put them four points clear at the top — at least temporarily — before Liverpool face Manchester United on Sunday.
For a team chasing its first title since the days of the Invincibles, every match matters. But against a side led by familiar faces, this one carries a bit of extra emotion.
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