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There's no doubt why Arsenal are now many people's top picks to secure the Premier League during this term.

Examine their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus those same matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have beaten all of them this time around, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race in the prior campaign.

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title target.

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

The defensive partnership 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 danger from dead balls is well known, but competing clubs still struggle to contain the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting from these situations.

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Claims

What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals are struggling. 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far yielded results in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games
• 385 minutes without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and experts have characterized Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and resolve.