🔗 Share this article

The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal have become countless pundits' preferred choice to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches last season.

The Gunners have beaten all of them this time around, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race in the prior campaign.

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They rank top for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Expertise

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but rival sides still don't know how to contain 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 coming from these situations.

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

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City on home turf - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. This marks the premier instance 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 pressure was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that long-awaited 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 tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games
• 385 minutes without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

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