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There's no doubt why Arsenal are now countless pundits' top picks to claim the Premier League this season.

Consider their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those same 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 last season.

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title goal.

They stand first for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Expertise

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but rival sides still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these opportunities.

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

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

Title Credentials

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced 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 long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. This marks the initial occasion 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having spent around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the strongest defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without allowing a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across every tournament

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