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There's little doubt why Arsenal have become countless pundits' preferred choice to claim the Premier League during this term.

Examine their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches last season.

The Gunners have beaten all of them this time around, but lost 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 looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The center-back duo 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.

Set-Piece Expertise

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but rival sides still don't know how to stop the Gunners from these situations.

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

"Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see."

Championship Credentials

What is even more 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 leading by four at the top.

While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. This marks the first time 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 allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far yielded results in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and analysts have characterized Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with confidence and resolve.