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The proof is unmistakable why Arsenal stand as many people's preferred choice to secure the Premier League this season.

Examine their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have defeated all of them this time around, but lost 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race in the prior campaign.

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title target.

They rank top for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but opposition teams still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these situations.

They have scored 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 excellent to see."

Title Claims

What is even more impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City at home - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals are struggling. This marks the initial occasion 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far proven successful in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the tightest 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 various contests

Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and determination.