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It's evident why Arsenal have become numerous fans' favorites to secure the Premier League during this term.

Consider their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches in the previous campaign.

The Gunners have overcome all of them this time around, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race last season.

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title goal.

They stand first for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Dominance

Their threat from set-pieces is widely recognized, but opposition teams still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these situations.

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

Championship Claims

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. This marks the premier instance 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer additions in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far paid off in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games
• 385 minutes without letting in a goal
• Only a trio of goals 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 performing with conviction and resolve.