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It's obvious why Arsenal have become numerous fans' top picks to win the Premier League during this term.

Look at their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have overcome all of them this time around, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's backline resilience is a primary factor why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title goal.

They stand first for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their threat from set-pieces is widely recognized, but competing clubs still struggle to contain the Gunners from these chances.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra 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 afraid of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Claims

What is especially impressive about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, their traditional rivals face difficulties. This marks the first time 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 start, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far proven successful in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions

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