'The record is safe for another year' — Chelsea legend Terry trolls Arsenal after Gunners fall short of milestone

Arsenal’s hopes of matching Chelsea’s iconic Premier League defensive record from 2004-05 were officially ended after their 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.

The result pushed the Gunners to 17 goals conceded, meaning John Terry’s famous mark of 15 remains untouched.

Chelsea legend John Terry was quick to react after Arsenal’s setback, taking to social media to celebrate the survival of his old side’s record.

“The record is safe for another year,” Terry wrote on Sunday night, before doubling down in a video message.

“January 25th, 2026 and the record is safe. Man United 2, Arsenal 1. Still 25 minutes to go but the record is safe for another season. So Petr Cech, Paolo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho, William Gallas, it’s time to celebrate with a bottle or a glass of red wine. I’m going for the bottle for celebration tonight,” he said.

Terry also questioned whether the feat would ever be beaten, adding: “Can this record of 15 goals conceded in one season ever be beaten?

“I’m saying no… I have to say I was a little bit worried the way Arsenal started the season and how well they started but it’s only January and the record has already gone and it’s safe for another year. I still get frustrated today, it could have been sub 10.”

Arsenal had been on course earlier in the season to challenge what many see as one of the Premier League’s most untouchable records.

After eight games, they had conceded just three goals, putting them on track for a historic campaign. However, a defensive dip has now seen them concede 17 goals after 23 matches, officially ruling out any chance of matching Chelsea’s benchmark.

The decisive blow came at the Emirates, where Manchester United stormed back from behind to win 3-2. After Lisandro Martínez’s own goal gave Arsenal the lead, Bryan Mbeumo levelled, Patrick Dorgu fired United ahead, and Matheus Cunha’s late wonder strike sealed the comeback.

The defeat not only ended Arsenal’s record chase but also dented their title bid, while giving Terry fresh ammunition to remind rivals that Chelsea’s legendary defensive season still stands alone.