🔗 Share this article

It's obvious why Arsenal are now numerous fans' preferred choice to claim the Premier League during this term.

Examine their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches in the previous campaign.

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

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title ambition.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but opposition teams still don't know how to stop the Gunners from these opportunities.

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

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just wary of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Credentials

What is even more notable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, their historic competitors face difficulties. This marks the initial occasion at this juncture 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 manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the business has so far yielded results in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

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