🔗 Share this article

It's clear why Arsenal are now numerous fans' favorites to secure the Premier League during this term.

Look at their results against West Ham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have defeated all of them in the current season, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race previously.

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a primary factor why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title target.

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

The defensive partnership 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.

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but competing clubs still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more 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 intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Claims

What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors face difficulties. 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 manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far proven successful in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across every tournament

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