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There's no doubt why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' top picks to secure the Premier League during this term.

Examine their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches during the prior term.

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

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title ambition.

They lead the league for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but rival sides still struggle to stop 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 coming from these situations.

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see."

Championship Claims

What is especially notable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City at home - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they continue triumphing, 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 pressure was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• Over six hours without letting in a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

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