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It's obvious why Arsenal stand as many people's favorites to win the Premier League during this term.

Consider their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches last season.

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

Defensive Strength

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

They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the strongest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their danger from dead balls is well known, but opposition teams still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these situations.

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

Championship Credentials

What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played 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 keep winning, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. 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 scrutiny was on manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

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

• Shutouts in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without conceding a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and experts have characterized Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now performing with belief and purpose.