🔗 Share this article 'People are afraid' - the reasons 'unstoppable force' Arsenal have become the team to beat. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace The evidence is undeniable why Arsenal stand as countless pundits' favorites to claim the Premier League during this term. Look at their results against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have defeated all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season. Impenetrable Defense Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title target. They stand first for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and expected goals against (5.3). The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the finest in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Excellence Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but competing clubs still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities. 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 excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see." Title Potential What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still ahead by four points at the top. While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. 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 scrutiny was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in quest of that coveted first title since 2004. But the investment has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries. Clean sheets 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 pundits have described Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and determination.