🔗 Share this article

The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal stand as many people's top picks to claim the Premier League during this term.

Look at their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches last season.

The Gunners have overcome all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they faded 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 target.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the strongest in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Dominance

Their danger from dead balls is well known, but rival sides still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these situations.

They have registered 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 fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see."

Title Credentials

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played 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 continue triumphing, their traditional rivals are struggling. This marks the initial occasion 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

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

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and purpose.