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The proof is undeniable why Arsenal have become countless pundits' preferred choice to secure the Premier League during this term.

Look at their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches in the previous campaign.

The Gunners have defeated all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race previously.

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title ambition.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the finest 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 competing clubs still struggle to contain 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 do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just wary of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Credentials

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's beginning 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 four points clear at the top.

While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. 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 scrutiny was on boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the business has so far yielded results in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without letting in a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and experts have characterized Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and purpose.