🔗 Share this article

There's no doubt why Arsenal are now countless pundits' preferred choice to claim the Premier League during this term.

Look at their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches in the previous campaign.

The Gunners have beaten 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 backline resilience is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title target.

They rank top for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), shots faced (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but rival sides still struggle to stop the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming from these situations.

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just wary of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Claims

What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. This marks the initial occasion 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 scrutiny was on boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far proven successful in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Shutouts in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without letting in a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

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