🔗 Share this article

It's evident why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' top picks to secure the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have overcome all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race in the prior campaign.

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title target.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3).

The central defensive pairing 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.

Set-Piece Mastery

Their threat from set-pieces is widely recognized, but competing clubs still don't know how to stop 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 originating from these situations.

"Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see."

Title Credentials

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

While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. This marks the first time 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 manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having spent around £250m on eight summer signings in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite several injuries.

• Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across various contests

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