🔗 Share this article

There's little doubt 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 during the prior term.

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

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are appearing strong to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They lead the league for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their danger from dead balls is well known, but competing clubs still find it difficult to neutralize 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 Pedigree

What is even more notable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also played 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 continue triumphing, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. This marks the first time at this stage 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 acquisitions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the business has so far yielded results in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without allowing a goal
• Only a handful of concessions 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 determination.