🔗 Share this article

There's little doubt why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' top picks to claim the Premier League during this term.

Consider their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches last season.

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

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's backline resilience is a primary factor why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title ambition.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but competing clubs still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these chances.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating 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 particularly notable about Arsenal's commencement 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 leading by four at the top.

While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. This marks the premier instance at this point of the season since 1992 that none of Manchester City and United, Liverpool or Chelsea are in the Premier League top four.

The pressure was on manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far proven successful in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Shutouts in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across various contests

Former players and pundits have characterized Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and purpose.