Arsenal are competing well in the Premier League title race, and moved back to the top of the table, even if only temporarily, with a win at Brighton on Saturday.
A 3-0 victory, with goals from Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard was truly impressive from Mikel Arteta’s side, who were determined to keep a clean sheet until the very last second.
Arsenal have a busy fixture schedule, and this was the club’s third game within the space of six days, and the Gunners have a Champions League tie with Bayern Munich to contend.
Nevertheless, Arsenal managed to maintain their strong defensive record, whilst also increasing their output with three well-struck goals, and this meant that Arteta is now on the verge of history.
READ MORE: Arsenal’s XI for Mikel Arteta’s first match as manager
Arsenal record best Premier League goal difference since 2005
Opta have now revealed that Arsenal’s current goal difference, which stands on 51, is the most any Arsenal side has had since the final day of the 2004-05 season.
Arsenal came second that season, but scored more than they previously did with the Invincibles, and ended the campaign with a goal difference total of 51.
However, unlike 2005, Arsenal still have seven Premier League games remaining, and are now certain to break this record and have their best goal difference in the history of the competition.
Arsenal are thriving at both ends of the pitch
Arsenal’s incredible goal difference highlights how difficult it has become to beat Arsenal.
Arteta’s side have conceded less than any other team, whilst scoring more than everyone else, and teams not only struggle to break Arsenal down and attack the box, they are capable of blowing teams away with huge scorelines.
Gabriel Magalhaes has arguably been Arsenal’s best defender this season, whilst Kai Havertz is now truly beginning to show why Arteta chose to bring him in.
Arsenal are dangerous in both boxes. They can completely silence opposition attacks, whilst also tearing defenders apart, and when Arsenal win away, they have done so in style on several occasions.
The Brighton win could have even seen them score more, and with the title race as tight as it is, goal difference could play a significant part by the end of the season.