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There's little doubt why Arsenal have become countless pundits' preferred choice to claim the Premier League this season.

Consider their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches in the previous campaign.

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

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title ambition.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), shots on target faced (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.

Set-Piece Expertise

Their effectiveness from free kicks is highly documented, but rival sides still struggle to contain the Gunners from these chances.

They have scored 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 daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Potential

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents 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 start, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the business has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Shutouts in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only a handful of concessions 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 performing with belief and determination.