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It's obvious why Arsenal have become countless pundits' preferred choice to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their results against Fulham and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have defeated all of them this time around, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race previously.

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They stand first for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (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 danger from dead balls is highly documented, but competing clubs still don't know how to stop the Gunners from these opportunities.

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 perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just wary of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Claims

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

While they continue triumphing, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. 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 pressure was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far proven successful in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets 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 experts have characterized Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now operating with confidence and determination.