Meet the Best Defence in the EFL

16 games, 31 points, 11 goals conceded. After two seasons of relative mediocrity, this EFL side are certainly getting third time lucky.

The team in question is Stevenage, who are currently residing in the automatic promotion places to earn a spot in the second tier of English football for the first time ever.

The Boro have taken a steady climb up the English pyramid since their founding in 1976. Having only been relegated twice – with one from League One in their third season there in 2013-14 – this time round it looks like they may well be third time lucky as they look to take a big leap into the unknown of Championship football.

With giants such as Luton Town, Cardiff City and Bolton Wanderers, how are Stevenage finding the capability to keep up the pace with them?

Best Defence in the EFL

Having come into the new season largely unchanged on the defensive end, it is a wonder to see just how they have managed to concede 11 goals in 16 games.

This 11-goal tally is beaten by just two sides in the top four divisions in England – Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

🛡️Fewest goals conceded this season (#EFL):

1⃣1⃣: 💥Stevenage💥
1⃣2⃣: Stoke, Oldham
1⃣5⃣: Bolton, Cardiff, Cambridge#StevenageFC pic.twitter.com/GycID02WxH

— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) November 26, 2025

Looking into their summer business, the only signing made that impacted the shape in the defensive third is Jordan Houghton – a defensive midfielder who was brought in on a free transfer from Plymouth Argyle.

The 30-year-old has been average at best; however, goalkeeper Filip Marschall – who joined from Aston Villa – seems to have been the signing of the window for the Boro.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper has been nothing short of superb between the sticks so far, making seven clean sheets in 16 games, including a recent streak of three games without conceding a goal. This comes despite the fact that during this time, Stevenage were expected to have conceded 2.45 goals, and with the club earning five points despite this, it is no surprise to see Boro up with the big sides in the division.

Amongst Stevenage ranks, there are just two players who it could be argued have outperformed Marschall this season; they are two of the three centre-backs in front of him – Charlie Goode and Carl Piergianni.

Both over the age of 30, they bring heaps of experience, with Goode having made six appearances for Brentford in the Premier League a mere four years ago.

According to FotMob’s performance tracker, Goode has dropped below seven just once in the league this season, showcasing his ability to perform at the top level every week.

Making Home Turf a Fortress

Although their defensive solidity helps their case of being second in the division, there are other factors to look at.

According to Transfermarkt, Stevenage reside in 17th place for club market value, standing at just €7.95m. This means that they would likely be required to find other ways aside from general quality if they want to compete towards the top end of the table.

They have done just that, turning their beloved Lamex Stadium into an absolute fortress. Through this season thus far, they remain unbeaten at home, having won five and drawn two of their seven fixtures on home soil.

Through this, despite only netting nine goals, they have conceded just twice, demonstrating their awareness of using their home ground to the fullest advantage.

In contrast, the Boro do not travel anywhere near as well. Although they have won four of their nine games away, they have lost three times, conceding nine at a much higher rate.

Up next for Stevenage in the league is Cardiff at home, with the Bluebirds in a great run of form, scoring freely and, of course, top of the league. It will without doubt be their toughest test of the campaign so far, but it will also show many with eyes on this title race if Stevenage are genuine contenders or if they will soon suffer a major fall-off.