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The proof is undeniable why Arsenal are now many people's preferred choice to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches in the previous campaign.

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

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title ambition.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

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

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations.

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

Title Potential

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

While they maintain victories, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. This marks the initial occasion 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 scrutiny was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the business has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and pundits have labeled Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and purpose.