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There's little doubt why Arsenal are now many people's top picks to win the Premier League during this term.

Consider their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have overcome all of them during this campaign, but dropped 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title ambition.

They stand first for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but opposition teams still find it difficult to stop 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 resulting from these situations.

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

Title Claims

What is even more notable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their historic competitors are struggling. This marks the initial occasion 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 scrutiny was on boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

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