The Best Defences In Premier League History

‘Defence wins championships’ is one of the oldest and most used adages in sport but is it even true? In the case of the Premier League, you could argue strongly that it is a bit of a myth.

Of the 10 greatest defensive campaigns in Premier League history, only five teams lifted the trophy at the end of the season. There’s no doubting that a solid defence can help a team’s chances, but it is no guarantee of success.

Here, we look back at the Premier League’s best defensive records and how each club fared in the title race…

Liverpool, 2018-19

Goals conceded: 22

Finishing position: Runners Up

The Reds missed out on the title by a single point, with Jurgen Klopp’s men battling it out with Manchester City and it was nip and tuck the entire campaign.

Virgil van Dijk and Alisson were key to their defensive stability, appearing in all 38 league games while left back Andrew Robertson missed just two matches.

The Dutchman was outstanding and he was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year while narrowly missing out to the sensational Lionel Messi in the 2019 Ballon d’Or vote.

Manchester United, 2007-08

Goals conceded: 22

Finishing position: Winners

While the late 2000s team never matched the treble won by the United side of 1998/99, you could argue that this was Sir Alex Ferguson’s greatest squad.

The Red 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 were pivotal to their success.

In fact, the Vidic-Ferdinand duopoly is now recognised as one of the greatest in Premier League history. Throw in the superb Edwin van der Sar in goal and you have an incredibly strong defensive unit.

Just five teams scored more than a single goal against United that season – cementing that side’s status as one of the all-time great Premier League defences.

Chelsea, 2005-06

Goals conceded: 22

Finishing position: Winners

Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea were renowned for their impeccable defensive qualities and the 2005/06 squad was full of quality, composure and reliability.

Having won the title in 2004/05 (more on that later), the Blues were bidding to become back-to-back Premier League champions and John Terry – arguably the greatest centre half in top flight history – was the driving force behind them.

Stamford Bridge was a fortress and Terry, along with Petr Cech, Ricardo Carvalho and William Gallas provided safety and greater security than Fort Knox.

Arsenal, 1998-99

Goals conceded: 17

Finishing position: Runners Up

Arsenal failed in their bid to lift the Premier League title in 1998/99 but the Gunners did manage to record the second-best defensive season in the modern era.

Unfortunately for Arsene Wenger’s side, Manchester United won the treble that season so their achievement is often overlooked but Arsenal’s tally of just 17 goals conceded has been surpassed once in 25 years, which shows how impressive that feat was.

Things could have been different for the Gunners but 12 draws throughout the season damaged their title hopes. Having said that, David Seaman, Lee Dixon, Tony Adams, Nigel Winterburn, Steve Bould and Martin Keown made life very tough for opposition strikers.

Chelsea, 2004-05

Goals conceded: 15

Finishing position: Winners

Chelsea boast two of the three best defensive seasons in Premier League history and it is the Blues side of 2004/05 that takes the title of ‘meanest’ defence, conceding just 15 goals in 38 games.

The squad was built around its core and there was impeccable strength in depth, with the likes of John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and Claude Makelele forming a shield in front of Petr Cech’s goal.

Throw in Jose Mourinho’s defensive-minded approach and you had the makings for a steel curtain at Stamford Bridge. It’s hard to see this Premier League record falling anytime soon.