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There's little doubt why Arsenal stand as many people's favorites to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Examine their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches in the previous campaign.

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

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title ambition.

They lead the league for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their effectiveness from free kicks is highly documented, but rival sides still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities.

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 daunting aura. People are just wary of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Claims

What is especially impressive about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. 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 manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

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

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

Former players and analysts have described Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and purpose.