Certainly everyone knows by now that Arsenal are on the same points total (63) as last season after 31 games with exactly the same WDL record.

Despite a much different start to the season, they have 19 wins, six draws and six defeats.

But, that’s not what’s impressive about this season’s performance.

Arsenal have scored seven more goals and conceded four less, for a total improvement in goal difference of +11.

Position Comparison 150408
Comparison of Arsenal Statistics at the Same Point Last Season

This would put the Gunners on track to score a total of 76 goals for the season.

Looking back to the Premier League Championship year of 03/04, this would be third most behind the 09/10 (83) and 04/05 (87) seasons.

Position 150408
Arsenal Season Statistics Going Back to 2003/2004

So why the improvement?

Most notable is Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud’s league-leading combined 38 goals. There’s also eight each from Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, and new-comer Danny Welbeck.

In all, 62 goals have come from 19 different goal scorers this season despite an injury-laden first half.

On the other side, Arsenal goalkeepers have kept a combined 10 clean sheets after 31 games – nearly a third of all games. This, including the defensive improvements from Francis Coquelin and Nacho Monreal, as well as the addition of Héctor Bellerín and Gabriel to the back four.

If you’re unsure about Coquelin’s impact, consider that Arsenal have gone 13-1-2 with him, since returning to the team. Our record has been 10-0-1 with David Ospina in goal.

Guess everyone’s wish for a solid defence, a defensive midfielder, and a consistent striker all happened while we weren’t really paying attention.