🔗 Share this article

There's no doubt why Arsenal are now countless pundits' top picks to win the Premier League during this term.

Examine their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those same matches last season.

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

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title goal.

They rank top for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the strongest 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 widely recognized, but rival sides still find it difficult to contain the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have registered 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 perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is even more remarkable 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 ahead by four points at the top.

While they keep winning, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. This marks the premier instance 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 expectations was on boss Mikel Arteta at the outset, having spent around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the business has so far proven successful in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Shutouts in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and pundits have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and resolve.