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The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal have become many people's favorites to secure the Premier League in the current campaign.

Consider their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have beaten all of them during this campaign, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race previously.

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title ambition.

They stand first for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

The defensive partnership 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 Expertise

Their danger from dead balls is well known, but opposition teams still struggle to stop the Gunners from these situations.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more 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 intimidation presence. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see."

Title Potential

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

While they continue triumphing, their long-standing opponents are struggling. This marks the initial occasion 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 expectations was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite several injuries.

• Unbreached games in each of their last three Premier League games
• Over six hours without letting in a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

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