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It's evident why Arsenal stand as many people's preferred choice to win the Premier League this season.

Consider their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches during the prior term.

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

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title target.

They lead the league for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but competing clubs still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these situations.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting from these situations.

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, 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 scrutiny was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far yielded results in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games
• Over six hours without letting in a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

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