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The proof is undeniable why Arsenal stand as many people's preferred choice to secure the Premier League in the current campaign.

Consider their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches last season.

The Gunners have overcome all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race previously.

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title goal.

They lead the league for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but competing clubs still don't know how to contain the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have scored 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 fear factor. People are just wary of them and it is great to see."

Title Credentials

What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - 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 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 invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the business has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

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