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There's little doubt why Arsenal are now numerous fans' top picks to secure the Premier League this season.

Examine their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches during the prior term.

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

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title goal.

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

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

Set-Piece Expertise

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but opposition teams still struggle to contain the Gunners from these opportunities.

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

Championship Pedigree

What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, their traditional rivals 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far yielded results in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without allowing a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and pundits have characterized Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and purpose.