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There's no doubt why Arsenal have become numerous fans' preferred choice to win the Premier League this season.

Look at their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches last season.

The Gunners have beaten all of them this time around, but lost 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race previously.

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's backline resilience is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title ambition.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the finest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their danger from dead balls is well known, but competing clubs still struggle to contain the Gunners from these chances.

They have notched 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 intimidation presence. People are just afraid of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, their traditional rivals are struggling. 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far proven successful in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games
• 385 minutes without allowing a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across various contests

Former players and analysts have characterized Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and purpose.