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It's obvious why Arsenal have become many people's top picks to secure the Premier League during this term.

Consider their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches in the previous campaign.

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

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title goal.

They stand first for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (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 Superiority

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but competing clubs still don't know how to contain the Gunners from these situations.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming from these situations.

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

Championship Claims

What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's start 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 ahead by four points at the top.

While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. 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 pressure was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without letting in a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and pundits have described Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and resolve.