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There's little doubt why Arsenal are now numerous fans' top picks to secure the Premier League during this term.

Look at their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches last season.

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

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title goal.

They rank top for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their danger from dead balls is well known, but rival sides still struggle to stop the Gunners from these opportunities.

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

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

Championship Pedigree

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

While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. This marks the initial occasion 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 pressure was on boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without allowing a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

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