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It's evident why Arsenal have become numerous fans' top picks to claim the Premier League this season.

Look at their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches in the previous campaign.

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

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title ambition.

They lead the league for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the finest in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but rival sides still don't know how to contain the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have registered 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 perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see."

Championship Credentials

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered 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 keep winning, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. This marks the first time at this point 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 beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in quest of that coveted first title since 2004.

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

• Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across every tournament

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