Last week, from these same columns, The Times highlighted Manchester City’s record as the best scorers and with the highest average of goals on their way to winning the 2011-12 Premier League title.

Added to that, last season the Citizens also finished with the best defence statistics in the top flight, conceding 29 goals for an average of 0.76 per match played.

In the last two decades or so, City had never reached the same dizzy heights for their defensive ability.

The three seasons during which the same team finished as the top-scoring side with the best defensive record were:

2011-12: Manchester City − 2.45 for, 0.76 against.
2007-08: Manchester United − 2.11 for, 0.58 against.
1997-98: Manchester United − 1.92 for, 0.68 against.

The breakdown of the 29 goals conceded by City was:

Clean sheets 17, conceded one goal 14 times, two in six matches and three in one game.

Meanwhile, eight Premier League teams have featured in the top ten list of best scorers and best defences for 2011-12.

These were: Man. City, Manchester United, Everton, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Fulham.

Swansea conceded the least number of goals (51) from the three promoted clubs least season.

The club that conceded the most goals in one match were Arsenal with eight.

Eight clubs (same as last season) in the Premier League have shown an increase on the total from the previous season, conceding less goals as follows:

West Bromwich Albion lead with 19 goals short on the 2010-11 campaign.

Aston Villa and Newcastle United conceded six less, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur five while Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool left in four less.

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