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The proof is unmistakable why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' preferred choice to win the Premier League this season.

Consider their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches during the prior term.

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

Impenetrable Defense

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

They lead the league for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the best in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but opposition teams still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating 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."

Title Potential

What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their historic competitors are struggling. This marks the premier instance 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 allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

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