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The evidence is undeniable why Arsenal stand as many people's preferred choice to claim the Premier League this season.

Examine their results against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches during the prior term.

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

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They lead the league for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The defensive partnership 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 threat from set-pieces is widely recognized, but competing clubs 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 perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Claims

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

While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. This marks the first time 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

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

• Shutouts in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

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