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It's clear why Arsenal have become many people's favorites to secure the Premier League this season.

Look at their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches in the previous campaign.

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

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title ambition.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Dominance

Their threat from set-pieces is widely recognized, but rival sides still find it difficult to contain the Gunners from these situations.

They have registered 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 do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see."

Championship Claims

What is especially notable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they keep winning, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. This marks the first time 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 elusive first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

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

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