The Gunners have won 12 matches in a row across all competitions and kept seven consecutive clean sheets, their best streak since George Graham's team achieved the same between September and October 1987.

A shutout against Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday would see Arsenal equal a club record of eight straight clean sheets that has stood since 1903. The Gunners' defensive dominance has been exceptional, with opponents facing just one shot on target across their last four Premier League games.

"We've really got that unity and togetherness, not wanting to concede," Rice said after the 2–0 win at Burnley. "That's winning us games as much as our attacking threat."

The England midfielder also praised the backline's mentality, adding: "You've got two centre-halves and two full-backs who live and breathe defending, and every duel means something to them."

Arsenal have continued to build on their defensive strength from recent seasons, having boasted the Premier League's best record for goals conceded in each of the last two campaigns. The squad's increased depth this summer has further improved standards across the backline and in goal.

Arteta's decision to add Gabriel Heinze to his coaching team has also been significant. The former Argentina defender, who replaced Carlos Cuesta in the summer after the Spaniard's departure to Parma, has been credited with increasing intensity in training sessions.

"He's a coach who wants us to fight with a lot of intensity," said goalkeeper David Raya. "To win games in this league, you have to be solid. It's a collective effort, from the striker to the goalkeeper, and a credit to everyone."

Arsenal currently lead the Premier League by seven points ahead of Manchester City and are eight clear of Liverpool.

With Arne Slot's side set to face Pep Guardiola's team on Sunday, a win at Sunderland on Saturday could extend the Gunners' lead before the international break.

Before that, attention turns to Prague, where Arsenal will look to maintain their 100 percent Champions League record and match a defensive milestone that has stood for over a century.

Declan Rice leads Arsenal's charge as Gunners close in on clean-sheet record