🔗 Share this article

The proof is unmistakable why Arsenal have become countless pundits' favorites to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Consider their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches during the prior term.

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

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (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 finest in the league, with Arsenal keeping 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 don't know how to stop the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations.

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

Title Potential

What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they maintain victories, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. This marks the first time at this juncture 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 outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the business has so far proven successful in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without allowing a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and analysts have described Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with belief and resolve.