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There's little doubt why Arsenal stand as many people's preferred choice to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches in the previous campaign.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season.

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title goal.

They lead the league for shutouts (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 arguably the best in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their effectiveness from free kicks is highly documented, but rival sides still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these chances.

They have registered 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 intimidation presence. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City at home - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their historic competitors face difficulties. This marks the premier instance 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 pressure was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the business has so far yielded results in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games
• 385 minutes without letting in a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

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