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There's no doubt why Arsenal are now numerous fans' top picks to claim the Premier League during this term.

Look at their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have beaten all of them during this campaign, but dropped 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race previously.

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's backline resilience is a primary factor why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title target.

They rank top for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the strongest in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Expertise

Their danger from dead balls is well known, but rival sides still find it difficult 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 do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. 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 start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far proven successful in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the strongest defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

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