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It's obvious why Arsenal have become numerous fans' top picks to secure the Premier League during this term.

Consider their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches last season.

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

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's backline resilience is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They lead the league for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but rival sides still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these chances.

They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional 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 daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see."

Championship Credentials

What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's start 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 four points clear at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals are struggling. 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 expectations was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in quest of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in each of their last three Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without allowing a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and experts have described Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now functioning with confidence and determination.