🔗 Share this article 'People are afraid' - why 'unstoppable force' Arsenal are the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates Arsenal's victory over Crystal Palace It's obvious why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' preferred choice to claim the Premier League this season. Look at their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those same matches during the prior term. The Gunners have beaten all of them this time around, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race last season. Impenetrable Rearguard Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title goal. They rank top for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3). The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the finest in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Dominance Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but rival sides still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these situations. They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting 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 Credentials What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City on home turf - and are still ahead by four points at the top. While they continue triumphing, their historic competitors face difficulties. This marks the first time at this point 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 outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that coveted first title since 2004. But the investment has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries. Shutouts in three straight Premier League games Over six hours without letting in a goal Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across various contests Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now performing with belief and determination.