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There's no doubt why Arsenal stand as many people's top picks to secure the Premier League this season.

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

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

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title ambition.

They lead the league for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but rival sides still don't know how to neutralize 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 do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Claims

What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also played 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 keep winning, their long-standing opponents are struggling. This marks the first time at this juncture 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 additions in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far paid off in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the strongest defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without letting in a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

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