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There's little doubt why Arsenal are now many people's preferred choice to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their results against West Ham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches in the previous campaign.

The Gunners have defeated 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 defensive strength is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They lead the league for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but rival sides still don't know how to contain the Gunners from these situations.

They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra 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 fearful of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Potential

What is even more notable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals are struggling. This marks the first time at this juncture 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 start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in quest of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the business has so far yielded results in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Shutouts in each of their last three Premier League games
• 385 minutes without allowing a goal
• Only three 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 confidence and resolve.