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It's evident why Arsenal are now numerous fans' preferred choice to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Consider their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches last season.

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

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title ambition.

They stand first for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the best in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but opposition teams still struggle to contain the Gunners from these opportunities.

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

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see."

Title Potential

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's commencement 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 ahead by four points at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals face difficulties. 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that elusive 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 possessing the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Shutouts in each of their last three Premier League games
• 385 minutes without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

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