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It's evident why Arsenal stand as many people's preferred choice to claim the Premier League during this term.

Examine their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches in the previous campaign.

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

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a primary factor why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title ambition.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (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.

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but rival sides still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these situations.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations.

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Credentials

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 at home - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. This marks the premier instance 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in each of their last three Premier League games
• 385 minutes without letting in a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

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