Arsenal’s clean-sheet machine and resolute Roma headline Europe’s best defences | OneFootball

Few teams win league titles without a good defence, but which sides across Europe have the meanest defensive records this season?

Arsenal - 18 goals

Chatter about breaking Chelsea's famous 15-goal record was premature, butArsenal have been one of Europe's best defences this season. The Gunners are comfortably the best defensive unit in the Premier League, conceding just 18 goals in 26 games.

Mikel Arteta has said the club's defensive work is the 'platform to win games' as Arsenal compete on all fronts.

Already this season, Arsenal have recorded 22 clean sheets across all competitions. David Raya's 13 league shut-outs is aleading figure across Europe's top five leagues.

Como - 18 goals

Ambitious Como are aiming to upset the established elite in Italy this season and hover just outside the European places as things stand. Cesc Fabregas's side have conceded only 18 goals in 24 games this season and have recorded clean sheets against Juventus, Napoli and Lazio.

Central defender Jacobo Ramon is picking up plenty of plaudits, having been signed from Real Madrid in a cut-price deal last summer.

AC Milan - 18 goals

It's not quite the famous defensive unit of Mauro Tassotti, Franco Baresi, Alessandro Costacurta, and Paolo Maldini that frustrated forwards during the late 1980s and early 1990s, butAC Milan's current rearguard is impressing this season.

The Rossoneri have roared into title contention inSerie A, having conceded just 18 goals in 25 games. Such has been their resilience, Milan have lost only once in Serie A this season.

Lens - 17 goals

Lens have emerged as surprise challengers inLigue 1, with Pierre Sage's side leading the title race from Paris Saint-Germain. It's been a fantastic campaign for Lens, who are targeting a mighty upset and first Ligue 1 crown since the late nineties.

Key to their challenge has been a solid defence. Lens have conceded just 12 goals from open play all season, while goalkeeper Robin Risser boasts the league's best save percentage.

When Gian Piero Gasperni took the reins at Roma, the discussions mostly centred around the veteran coach's attacking football. Instead, Gasperini has turned Roma into Europe's meanest defence.

The capital club have conceded just 16 league goals all season, with goalkeeper Miles Svilar boasting a massive 82.6% save percentage. Roma's remarkable record has them fourth in the table and chasing a Champions League return.