Defensive record since 2008-09 season

[steviemc]

We conceded 29 league goals in 11/12 , we're on 26 now and it's only mid January !

Yep, that was a bit of a weird season that one. Arsenal lost 10 games and still finished 3rd - Villa lost 14 games and finished 2 places above the relegation zone (they drew a fair few though).

The proof that you need to be firing at the striking end shows in 2013/2014. We conceeded 37 goals and won the title, yet the Chavs only conceeded 27 and finished 3rd.

In the 1998/1999 season Arsenal conceded a mere 17 goals, yet can you believe it, they still only finished 2nd.

 

[The Black Shed]

           GP     F     F/M     A     A/M    GD/M
2008-09    38    58    1.53    50    1.32    0.21
2009-10    38    73    1.92    45    1.18    0.74
2010-11    38    60    1.58    33    0.87    0.71
2011-12    38    93    2.45    29    0.76    1.68
2012-13    38    66    1.74    34    0.89    0.84
2013-14    38   102    2.68    37    0.97    1.71
2014-15    38    83    2.18    38    1.00    1.18
2015-16    38    71    1.87    41    1.08    0.79
2016-17    21    41    1.95    26    1.24    0.71

Under MP the goals for decreased year on year, and the goals against increased year on year.
So the problem is in both boxes, as Pep has mentioned. Teams need to strengthen with transfers every season, a gentle recycling process, and for whatever reason, our signings have not fulfilled any potential, with some exceptions obviously.
There's no doubt teams this year are hitting gold with every effort they get on target, well that's my feeling anyway, and I would like to see if anyone can provide the stats as to where these come from on the pitch - the majority straight through the middle I bet. So it probably doesn't need a rocket scientist to work out what we need, wholesale changes in defence and somebody to sit in front of them, like a Kante for example. One or two more in midfield to cover Gundogan's absense and the snail that is now Yaya. The times that Stones goes for his walkies suggests there may be a sweeper role for him to consider, he can play the ball very well. Just my opinion.

 

[Chippy_boy]

Always need to build from the back nobody will convince me otherwise

How can anyone argue with this? Here's the last 10 years title winners and where they stood in the "fewest goals conceded" table:

Leicester 36 2nd
Chelsea 32 1st
City 37 2nd
Scum 43 4th
City 29 1st
Scum 37 3rd
Chelsea 32 2nd
Scum 24 1st
Scum 22 1st
Scum 27 2nd

In 8 out of 10 seasons, the team with either the best, or the 2nd best defensive record, wins the league.

 

[Chippy_boy]

I'm not surprised at that stat. We never get pummeled by opponents, but due to the high line and poor positioning of our defenders, when they get a chance it's usually one on none with the keeper.

Edited for accuracy.