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There's no doubt why Arsenal have become countless pundits' preferred choice to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Consider their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title target.

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

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

Set-Piece Expertise

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but rival sides still find it difficult 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 coming from these situations.

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered 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 traditional rivals are struggling. This marks the initial occasion 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 manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite several injuries.

• Unbreached games in each of their last three Premier League games
• 385 minutes without letting in a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

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