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The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal are now many people's preferred choice to secure the Premier League this season.

Examine their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches last season.

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

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title ambition.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the strongest 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 opposition teams still find it difficult to contain the Gunners from these chances.

They have scored 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 excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Claims

What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, their historic competitors face difficulties. 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 expectations was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having spent around £250m on eight summer signings in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

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