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There's no doubt why Arsenal have become numerous fans' top picks to claim the Premier League during this term.

Examine their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches last season.

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

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to ultimately achieve their title target.

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

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

Dead-Ball Dominance

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but competing clubs still find it difficult to contain the Gunners from these chances.

They have notched 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 perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Potential

What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City at home - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, their historic competitors are struggling. This marks the premier instance 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 pressure was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer signings in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the business has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight 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 "juggernaut, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and purpose.