🔗 Share this article

It's clear why Arsenal have become countless pundits' favorites to claim the Premier League during this term.

Look at their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches in the previous campaign.

The Gunners have overcome all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race previously.

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They stand first for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but competing clubs still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these situations.

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

"Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just fearful of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Credentials

What is especially impressive about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they maintain victories, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. 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 expectations was on boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far proven successful in remarkable manner, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite several injuries.

• Shutouts in each of their last three Premier League games
• 385 minutes without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across various contests

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