🔗 Share this article

It's evident why Arsenal have become countless pundits' preferred choice to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus those same matches in the previous campaign.

The Gunners have overcome all of them this time around, but lost 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Backline

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

They rank top for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the finest in the league, with Arsenal recording 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 stop the Gunners from these opportunities.

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 do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just wary of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Claims

What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also played 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 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

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

• Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games
• Over six hours without letting in a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and pundits have characterized Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with belief and purpose.