🔗 Share this article

The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal stand as countless pundits' favorites to claim the Premier League this season.

Consider their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches in the previous campaign.

The Gunners have overcome all of them in the current season, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title ambition.

They stand first for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Expertise

Their danger from dead balls is well known, but opposition teams 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 daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Credentials

What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they maintain victories, their historic competitors face difficulties. This marks the initial occasion 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 beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far yielded results in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across every tournament

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