‘Attack wins games, defence wins titles’ is a football phrase famously coined by Sir Alex Ferguson, with the Manchester United great no stranger to silverware.Â
Though often under-appreciated in comparison to their forward teammates, the key to any top side is an elite defence. Arsenal have won plenty of plaudits this season for their defensive work, and we’ve looked at how the Gunners rank among their rivals.
Here are the five best defensive teams in Europe so far this season, in terms of average goals conceded per game (all competitions).
The five teams with the best defensive record in Europe this season
5. Manchester City – 0.67 goals conceded per game
Manchester City have conceded only eight goals in their 12 games this season, recording seven clean sheets in the process.
With Erling Haaland in phenomenal goalscoring form and the Blues’ backline impressing at the other end, confidence is high that Pep Guardiola’s side can challenge for the big prizes.
4. Como – 0.67 goals conceded per game
Como rank alongside Manchester City with 0.67 goals conceded per game this season. The Serie A side have launched a bold project in recent years, finishing 10th last season after promotion back into the top division.
Further imports have bolstered Cesc Fabregas’ squad, who are keen to build on their defensive record to challenge for Europe.
Como defeat Juventus for the first time in Serie A since 1952.
Big 2-0 win for Cesc Fà bregas’ side 👊 pic.twitter.com/HEknrBmUpg
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 19, 2025
3. Roma – 0.56 goals conceded per game
Gian Piero Gasperini is often cited as a brilliant attacking manager, with his fluid football helping Atalanta overachieve in recent seasons.
The veteran coach took charge at Roma in the summer, where it’s been I Giallorossi’s defence that has most caught the eye. Roma have conceded just three goals in Serie A, boasting the division’s best defensive record.
2. AC Milan – 0.44 goals conceded per game
AC Milan have shown encouraging signs since the return of Max Allegri as manager. The Italian was the club’s title-winning coach in 2011 and has immediately made Milan hard to beat.
The Rossoneri have conceded just four goals in nine games across all competitions and currently sit top of the division.
Messrs Maldini, Baresi, and Nesta will be watching on with approval.
1. Arsenal – 0.25 goals conceded per game
Arsenal boast the best defensive record in Europe this season, having conceded just three goals in 12 across all competitions.
Incredibly, the Gunners have conceded just once from open play, while their last two Premier League games have passed without an opposition shot on target.
Arsenal have never lost or conceded in a Champions League group/league phase game at the Emirates under Mikel Arteta 😳 pic.twitter.com/kg1yjEbB32
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 21, 2025
Mikel Arteta’s men are one of two teams whose defence has not been breached in Europe, recording consecutive clean sheets against Athletic Bilbao, Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid. Arsenal have never conceded a Champions League league-phase goal under Arteta on home soil.
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