The Best Defences In Premier League History

‘Defence wins championships’ is likely one of the oldest and most used adages in sport however is it even true? Within the case of the Premier League, you possibly can argue strongly that it’s a little bit of a delusion.

Of the ten best defensive campaigns in Premier League historical past, solely 5 groups lifted the trophy on the finish of the season. There’s no doubting {that a} stable defence may also help a group’s possibilities, however it’s no assure of success.

Right here, we glance again on the Premier League’s finest defensive data and the way every membership fared within the title race…

Liverpool, 2018-19

Objectives conceded: 22

Ending place: Runners Up

The Reds missed out on the title by a single level, with Jurgen Klopp’s males battling it out with Manchester Metropolis and it was nip and tuck your complete marketing campaign.

Virgil van Dijk and Alisson had been key to their defensive stability, showing in all 38 league video games whereas left again Andrew Robertson missed simply two matches.

The Dutchman was excellent and he was named PFA Gamers’ Participant of the 12 months whereas narrowly lacking out to the sensational Lionel Messi within the 2019 Ballon d’Or vote.

Manchester United, 2007-08

Objectives conceded: 22

Ending place: Winners

Whereas the late 2000s group by no means matched the treble gained by the United facet of 1998/99, you possibly can argue that this was Sir Alex Ferguson’s best squad.

The Crimson Devils, led by the likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes, secured a Premier League and Champions League double and the defensive duo of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand had been pivotal to their success.

In actual fact, the Vidic-Ferdinand duopoly is now recognised as one of many best in Premier League historical past. Throw within the excellent Edwin van der Sar in purpose and you’ve got an extremely robust defensive unit.

Simply 5 groups scored greater than a single purpose in opposition to United that season – cementing that facet’s standing as one of many all-time nice Premier League defences.

Chelsea, 2005-06

Objectives conceded: 22

Ending place: Winners

Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea had been famend for his or her impeccable defensive qualities and the 2005/06 squad was filled with high quality, composure and reliability.

Having gained the title in 2004/05 (extra on that later), the Blues had been bidding to develop into back-to-back Premier League champions and John Terry – arguably the best centre half in high flight historical past – was the driving power behind them.

Stamford Bridge was a fortress and Terry, together with Petr Cech, Ricardo Carvalho and William Gallas supplied security and higher safety than Fort Knox.

Arsenal, 1998-99

Objectives conceded: 17

Ending place: Runners Up

Arsenal failed of their bid to elevate the Premier League title in 1998/99 however the Gunners did handle to report the second-best defensive season within the fashionable period.

Sadly for Arsene Wenger’s facet, Manchester United gained the treble that season so their achievement is usually missed however Arsenal’s tally of simply 17 objectives conceded has been surpassed as soon as in 25 years, which exhibits how spectacular that feat was.

Issues may have been completely different for the Gunners however 12 attracts all through the season broken their title hopes. Having stated that, David Seaman, Lee Dixon, Tony Adams, Nigel Winterburn, Steve Bould and Martin Keown made life very powerful for opposition strikers.

Chelsea, 2004-05

Objectives conceded: 15

Ending place: Winners

Chelsea boast two of the three finest defensive seasons in Premier League historical past and it’s the Blues facet of 2004/05 that takes the title of ‘meanest’ defence, conceding simply 15 objectives in 38 video games.

The squad was constructed round its core and there was impeccable power in depth, with the likes of John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and Claude Makelele forming a protect in entrance of Petr Cech’s purpose.

Throw in Jose Mourinho’s defensive-minded strategy and also you had the makings for a metal curtain at Stamford Bridge. It’s arduous to see this Premier League report falling anytime quickly.