Why do Arsenal keep conceding wonder goals? A look at the eye-opening numbers behind the Gunners' troubles
CBS Sports
by
James Benge
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Arsenal's recent struggles have been epitomized by their tendency to concede stunning "golazo" goals—remarkable strikes that defy expectations and leave both fans and analysts puzzled. This season, opponents like Dominik Szoboszlai, Patrick Dogu, and Matheus Cunha have delivered unforgettable moments against the Gunners, scoring from positions with minuscule expected goal (xG) values. These low-probability goals have not only cost Arsenal points but also cast doubt on their ability to maintain defensive solidity despite sitting atop the Premier League table.
The statistics paint a striking picture: six of the 20 goals Arsenal has conceded this season had an xG value of just 0.04 or lower, meaning they were practically implausible chances. These goals have largely come from outside the box, with Arsenal conceding 30% of their goals from long-range efforts—a figure unmatched by any other team in the league. While Arsenal's overall defensive numbers are solid (they've allowed only 19 shots and five goals from high xG positions), the frequency of these low-probability concede goals is unusual. Since the start of the 2020-21 season, no team has seen such a significant overperformance between their conceded goals and the expected xG values.
Manager Mikel Arteta has acknowledged the issue, calling it "strange" that so many opponents have found the net with such audacious attempts. He suggested that while some of these goals are down to luck, others may expose gaps in Arsenal's defensive approach. Despite this, Arteta remains focused on addressing the problem through detailed analysis and training, though he admitted it's challenging to predict or prevent such occurrences.
This trend matters because it highlights a potential weakness in Arsenal's defensive setup, despite their otherwise impressive form. The ability to handle high-quality opponents' standout performances will be crucial as they aim to maintain their league lead and challenge for the title. For sports fans and analysts, this situation underscores the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of both skill and fortune in determining match outcomes. Arsenal's journey this season serves as a reminder that even the best teams can be vulnerable to the unexpected—and unforgettable—moments that define the game.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/21/2026