'People are fearful' - why 'unstoppable force' Arsenal are the side to defeat.

There's little doubt why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' top picks to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches last season.

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

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a primary factor why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title goal.

They lead the league for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the finest in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but competing clubs still struggle 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 fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Claims

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

While they keep winning, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. 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 pressure was on manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings 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 having the strongest defense, despite several injuries.

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

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