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It's clear why Arsenal have become countless pundits' favorites to win the Premier League during this term.

Consider their results against West Ham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches last season.

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

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's backline resilience is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title goal.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The defensive partnership 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.

Set-Piece Mastery

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but rival sides still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these opportunities.

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 excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see."

Title Claims

What is especially notable about Arsenal's start 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 leading by four at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their long-standing opponents are struggling. This marks the initial occasion 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 scrutiny was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the business has so far yielded results in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the strongest 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 every tournament

Former players and experts have described Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with belief and purpose.