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There's little doubt why Arsenal are now numerous fans' top picks to secure the Premier League during this term.

Consider their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches last season.

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

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are appearing strong to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They lead the league for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the best in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Mastery

Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but rival sides still struggle to neutralize 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 wonderful to see."

Title Credentials

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's start 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 ahead by four points at the top.

While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. 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 beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far yielded results in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• Over six hours without letting in a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and pundits have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and determination.