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It's obvious why Arsenal are now numerous fans' favorites to secure the Premier League this season.

Consider their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches last season.

The Gunners have overcome all of them this time around, but dropped 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season.

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They rank top for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Expertise

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 great to see."

Title Potential

What is even more notable about Arsenal's commencement 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 ahead by four points at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals are struggling. 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 scrutiny was on boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the business has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games
• 385 minutes without conceding a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across all competitions

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