While Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott have stolen the show this season, Arsenal’s back four has quietly – and brilliantly – gone about their business.
The Gunners lost 4-3 against Liverpool on the opening day, but since then, they’ve conceded just six goals and claimed 23 out of a possible 27 points.
And it’s largely thanks to the defensive quartet of Hector Bellerin, summer signing Shkodran Mustafi, Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal how they’ve been able to do so.
Alongside Petr Cech, Arsenal’s defence has been superb and recorded four clean sheets, most memorably against Chelsea in a 3-0 win.
Rio Ferdinand has certainly been impressed with the Gunners’ back four, even naming one of Arsenal’s defenders as the Premier League’s best in his position.
Writing for the Evening Standard, he said: “This is the best back four I have seen at Arsenal for many a year. They are settled and look confident.
“Laurent Koscielny has been one of the most consistent defenders for the last few seasons and has found a great partner in summer signing Shkodran Mustafi.
“[Arsene] Wenger spent a reported £35 million on Mustafi from Valencia in August and he’s looked a great acquisition so far.
“But their improvement at the back this season is not just about Koscielny and Mustafi. I like the full-backs they have too.
“Hector Bellerin is probably the best right-back in the Premier League right now. He is supremely quick, not shy in getting forward, but likes to defend as well.
“Nacho Monreal has turned into a consistent left-back. There are no frills about him, but he is comfortable on the ball in possession and a good defender too.
“I think keeper Petr Cech has also helped settle things down. His influence on the back four shouldn’t be underestimated.”
So impressed is Ferdinand by Arsenal’s defence that, consistency depending, he believes they have a very good chance of winning trophies this season.
“Arsenal’s success in the early years of Wenger’s reign was built on a solid back four,” he added. “If they can get that right again now, they will have a good chance of winning silverware.”
Wenger’s men next face Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday, where they can extend their lead over their north London rivals to six points.
Victory would also see Arsenal stay joint top of the table at the very least, where they currently lie above Liverpool and below Manchester City on goal difference.