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The proof is unmistakable why Arsenal are now numerous fans' preferred choice to claim the Premier League this season.

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

The Gunners have beaten all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race last season.

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title target.

They stand first for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but competing clubs still don't know how 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 resulting from these situations.

"Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Claims

What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City at home - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals face difficulties. 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far yielded results in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the strongest defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and experts have characterized Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now performing with conviction and purpose.