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There's no doubt why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' preferred choice to secure the Premier League during this term.

Look at their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those same matches during the prior term.

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

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title target.

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

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

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but opposition teams still struggle to stop the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting from these situations.

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see."

Title Credentials

What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City in their own stadium - 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 pressure was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far proven successful in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games
• 385 minutes without conceding a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across various contests

Former players and analysts have described Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with conviction and purpose.