Arsenal equal unwanted Mikel Arteta record amid defensive injury crisis

The Gunners drew 1-1 with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.

An injury ridden Arsenal have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last six Premier League away games.

It is Mikel Arteta's longest run without one since taking charge of the club in December 2019.

A record which goes on thanks to Raul Jimenez's opener to put Fulham in front at Craven Cottage.

Kenny Tete slid through a wonderful long pass as Jimenez smartly redirected his run to lose Jakub Kiwior who replaced an injured Gabriel Magalhaes.

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William Saliba tried to correct his teammate's bad marking but the striker struck a low finish past an outstretched David Raya.

Thomas Partey also filled in as right-back as Arsenal's defensive options dwindled.

Oleksandr Zinchenko who started the midweek match against Manchester United was confirmed by Arteta to have picked up an injury.

"He got injured as well unfortunately so we are missing four left full-backs," said the manager. "Adapting is the sort of thing you have to go through in a season and I am sure we will be fine."

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Those four are, Takehiro Tomiyasu - who is yet to make an appearance this season - Myles Lewis-Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori and Zinchenko.

Unfortunate events that have shifted Jurrien Timber from right to left-back.

The Dutch defender has been a source of reliability making 17 appearances this season for the Gunners despite returning from an ACL injury that ruled him out of last campaign.

More responsibility has been shifted onto Timber who is covering for an injured Ben White, who last season appeared 51 times.

The Englishman during the last international break underwent a knee surgery that will keep him out for "a few months" according to Arteta.

Arsenal were hailed for their solid defence last campaign as they kept 18 clean sheets, the most in the league.

A season they conceded 29 goals in, once again the best record in the league. In comparison, they have conceded 15 in as many matches.

Currently matching Chelsea's 2004/05 record of only 15 conceded that season.

With aspirations of lifting their first title since 2004 Arteta's team will have to be more resolute in defending their own net.