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It's obvious why Arsenal have become countless pundits' top picks to claim the Premier League during this term.

Examine their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches during the prior term.

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

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title goal.

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

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

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their danger from dead balls is well known, but opposition teams still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these chances.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more 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 fearful of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Credentials

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear 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 pressure was on boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

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