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There's no doubt why Arsenal stand as many people's top picks to win the Premier League during this term.

Look at their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race previously.

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title ambition.

They rank top for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the best in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but competing clubs still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming from these situations.

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see."

Title Potential

What is especially impressive about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they keep winning, their traditional rivals are struggling. This marks the first time at this point of the season since 1992 that none of Manchester City and United, Liverpool or Chelsea are in the Premier League top four.

The scrutiny was on boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer signings in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games
• 385 minutes without letting in a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across various contests

Former players and experts have described Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and purpose.