Arsenal legend examines the club’s defensive strength

Arsenal’s 2025-26 Premier League title charge is being built on defensive control as much as goals, with Mikel Arteta’s table-topping side scoring 61 and conceding 22 in 31 games. Their resilience was on show again this week in Europe, when Arsenal edged out Sporting 1-0 away in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, with David Raya making several key saves.

With the season entering its decisive weeks, attention is also turning to individual awards, with debate around which Arsenal stars should be in contention.

We caught up with Nigel Winterburn to discuss which current Gunners could be up for Player of the Year, as well as comparing the current defensive unit to the one he played in during George Graham’s managerial tenure.

Player of the Year contenders

Asked whether Declan Rice should win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, Winterburn said the discussion can be shaped by recency as much as overall performance.

“I haven't really had a sit-down thinking about who should win the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. When people are supposed to vote, they have a tendency to look at which players are in the best form.”

“We don't really evaluate the whole season. Bruno Fernandes, I can see why. He is a terrific player, but then people will say that Manchester United haven't really played that many games this season, but again - the award is an individual award.”

The former full-back added that standout performers can still be overlooked depending on the team they play for.

“You can only do your bit for the team, so I can sort of see why Bruno Fernandes has been mentioned. Obviously, Declan Rice is going to be in the conversation, but you can include more players in the conversation. It is easy to miss out on a player who is playing for a less good side, but he could have done very well for that team.”

He also pointed to how familiarity can influence voting while naming Brentford’s Igor Thiago as an under-the-radar contender.

“Also, they (the players) usually vote for who they really know the best, which can be a bit frustrating as well. Thiago at Brentford has had a brilliant season as well but he might not even be mentioned, but he has been super important for Brentford. There are many things to take into account.”

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Gabriel’s chance to be Player of the Year

Gabriel Magalhães has been one of Arsenal’s key defensive pillars this season, and Winterburn believes he is firmly among the Premier League’s top defenders.

“If we are talking about the Premier League, I think Gabriel is up there among the best. He has been outstanding this season and I would suggest it will be very tough for him to miss out on the Team Of The Season.”

The three-time league winner expects the Brazilian to be rewarded in end-of-season selections, even if individual awards can be harder to predict.

“Let's see, but I think it is almost a given that he will be in that team. Will he be getting enough votes for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award? I don't know, but he has been fantastic. His form has been really strong.”

Comparing Mikel Arteta’s defensive unit to George Graham's

Winterburn was part of an iconic Arsenal back line, playing alongside Tony Adams, Steve Bould and Lee Dixon. He sees some similarities between that defensive unit and the current one, considering how Premier League football has evolved over the years.

“I think between the defence I played in and the current defence, there are some similarities in the way the team is set up defensively. There are quite a lot of similarities, even though the game has changed immensely over the years.”

He also noted how different forward lines and tactical shapes make direct comparisons difficult.

“Usually, I came up against two centre forwards and two wide players, and it is difficult to judge it. This Arsenal back four is so strong, and I can see why people are comparing it to the back four I played in. I think our best season defensively was when we conceded 19 goals in 1991, so if that is one of the parameters, they are a bit behind but not far away.”

The Arsenal icon believes the current side’s defensive success is supported by structure and protection in front of them.

“They have a very good goalkeeper and a strong unit. They also have a lot of protection because the players in front of them are outstanding, which was the same when I played. You can't do it on your own, you can only do it as a unit.”

“If they don't concede too many goals the rest of the season and go on to win something, maybe the comparison will get stronger, but I always think good teams win something and this Arsenal team haven't won anything yet.”

“They can look at the stats after they have won something, but for now I am not going to change my mind.”

Read more as Nigel Winterburn discusses Arsenal's League Cup final defeat