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The evidence is undeniable why Arsenal are now numerous fans' preferred choice to claim the Premier League during this term.

Examine their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches last season.

The Gunners have beaten all of them during this campaign, but lost 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race in the prior campaign.

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title goal.

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

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

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but competing clubs still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these situations.

They have scored 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 excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see."

Championship Claims

What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City at home - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors are struggling. 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the outset, having spent around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far proven successful in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and boasting the strongest defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• 385 minutes without conceding a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across various contests

Former players and experts have labeled Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with confidence and resolve.