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It's evident why Arsenal have become many people's top picks to secure the Premier League this season.

Consider their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have defeated all of them during this campaign, but lost 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title ambition.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3).

The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the finest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but competing clubs still find it difficult to contain the Gunners from these chances.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting from these situations.

"Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Credentials

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City at home - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far yielded results in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and experts have characterized Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with belief and resolve.