If defences win you titles, why are Arsenal still bad at it?

Clean sheets. Clean sheets win you titles they say, so why do Arsenal keep so few at home? 

Home form is the bedrock of any team so why Mikel Arteta’s side keep so few clean sheets at home is an annoying contributing factor as to why many may doubt a sustained title challenge.

Despite efforts to significantly strengthen this summer, it still appears there’s a lack of balance in the defence that undoubtedly needs addressing.

Defensively last season, Arsenal were outstanding, collecting 11 clean sheets away from home. That meant Aaron Ramsdale became just the third goalkeeper after Petr Cech and Ederson to reach double-figure digits in away clean sheets in a single Premier League season.

That was shown once again this season when Arsenal shut out Crystal Palace and looked assured throughout, even after going down to ten men.

But so far, they have looked shaky and vulnerable at the Emirates. Nottingham Forest scored what seemed a consolation but were unfortunate not to walk away with a draw and Fulham, who walked away from North London with a draw.

Arsenal’s defending collapsed late last season which ultimately cost them the title, and to question it’s quality after just three games this season is certainly eyebrow-raising.

What is the solution for Mikel Arteta?

Declan Rice in the long-term should give Arsenal greater protection but the drop-off in the home games in the last 20 minutes is alarming.

When looking at xG, the Gunners were much more creative and efficient when getting into good areas in the final third against Palace than they were at home to Nottingham Forest.

A positive display going forward again against Fulham should bouy Arteta, but it’s clear individuals are lacking concentration levels needed to sustain a strong defence.

Taking Liverpool into considering, they signed Alisson, Virgil Van Dijk and Fabinho. Manchester City signed Rodri and Ruben Dias.

Arteta has brought in Rice and Jurrien Timber and although the former has picked up a knee injury, in the long-term the two should have a huge impact.