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There's little doubt why Arsenal have become countless pundits' favorites to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches during the prior term.

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

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title goal.

They stand first for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their danger from dead balls is well known, but opposition teams still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these chances.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra 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 fearful of them and it is great to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City on home turf - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they maintain victories, their historic competitors are struggling. This marks the premier instance 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 scrutiny was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

Former players and pundits have characterized Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and determination.