Even though Chelsea’s defensive record has stood for over 20 years, many are suggesting that Arsenal could now break it.
The Blues currently hold the record for the fewest number of goals conceded in the Premier League during a 38-game season, letting in just 15 goals during the 2004-05 campaign en route to the title.
Jose Mourinho had two unbelievable spells in the manager’s dugout at Stamford Bridge, but it was his first-ever year in English football where he created a formidable team.
In front of goalkeeper Petr Cech, the most common defensive line during the season consisted of Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho, John Terry and William Gallas. They received great support from teammates such as Glen Johnson, Wayne Bridge and Robert Huth as well.
Here is a look at Chelsea’s record in the 2004-05 Premier League:
PositionTeamPlayedWonDrawnLostGFGADiffPoints1Chelsea38298172155795
At the moment, Arsenal are currently on track to eclipse Chelsea’s defensive record during this 2025-26 campaign. Of course, the caveat to that is Mikel Arteta’s side have only completed a quarter of the season.
Last year, Terry claimed Chelsea’s defensive record would never be beaten. Well, have this impressive Arsenal outfit now changed his mind?
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty ImagesJohn Terry and Petr Cech discuss if Arsenal can break Chelsea record
According to Chelsea legends Terry and Cech, Arsenal will fail to beat their defensive record.
Terry said on his TikTok: “Arsenal’s currently going for our record. Do you personally think that they can beat our record?”
Cech responded: “They are doing really well. So I have to say, you know, it’s early in the season, but you got to start somewhere. So obviously, if they carry on like that, then they have a chance, but at the same time, it’s a hard job. I have to say, 38 games. You need to have a little bit of luck. I think it’s going to be hard for them to break our record.”
Later on, Terry added: “I’m going to put you on the spot. I don’t think our record can be beaten. Do you think, yes or no, it can be beaten?”
Cech answered: Well, hypothetically, it can. It can be beaten. I don’t think it’ll be beaten.”
Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
Of course, Arsenal’s aim is to win the Premier League crown for the first time since the 2003-04 season. If they break Chelsea’s defensive record, it would be a small bonus for them.
The Gunners have looked so hard to break down in the opening months of the campaign, but it only takes one or two poor results to see the record slip away.
Chelsea’s current defenders are miles off it
In contrast, Chelsea’s backline are leaking goals far too frequently this season, averaging more than one goal per game.
Unlike any successful back four, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca regularly makes changes to his defence as he tries to find the best formula. In particular, we’ve seen so many different partnerships at centre-back already this year.
Chelsea are not ruling out signing a central defender midway through the season in the January transfer window, which makes sense because they are desperately missing a leader at centre-half.