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There's no doubt why Arsenal are now many people's preferred choice to win the Premier League during this term.

Examine their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches in the previous campaign.

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

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title ambition.

They lead the league for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but rival sides still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these chances.

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

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Claims

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their historic competitors are struggling. This marks the initial occasion 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far yielded results in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Unbreached games 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 described Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now performing with belief and purpose.