🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal have become the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's victory over Crystal Palace There's no doubt why Arsenal have become numerous fans' favorites to win the Premier League this season. Look at their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches last season. The Gunners have defeated all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season. Impenetrable Defense Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title target. They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the best 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 highly documented, but competing clubs still struggle to stop the Gunners from these situations. They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional 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 intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is wonderful to see." Title Claims What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top. While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. This marks the premier instance 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the outset, having spent around £250m on eight summer signings in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004. But the spending has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries. Shutouts 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 analysts have described Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now performing with belief and purpose.