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The evidence is undeniable why Arsenal have become numerous fans' top picks to win the Premier League this season.

Consider their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those same matches last season.

The Gunners have overcome all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race in the prior campaign.

Defensive Strength

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

They lead the league for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially 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 well known, but competing clubs still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these chances.

They have scored 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 afraid of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City at home - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents are struggling. This marks the premier instance 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 expectations was on boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions

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