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The proof is undeniable why Arsenal are now many people's preferred choice to win the Premier League this season.

Look at their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches during the prior term.

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

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title target.

They stand first for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (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 Expertise

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but rival sides still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these chances.

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

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is even more notable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top.

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

But the spending has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive 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 "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and purpose.