🔗 Share this article

The proof is unmistakable why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' top picks to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Examine their results against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches during the prior term.

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

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title goal.

They stand first for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

The central defensive pairing 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 Proficiency

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but opposition teams still don't know how to stop the Gunners from these chances.

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

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Claims

What is especially notable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. This marks the first time 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the business has so far proven successful in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the strongest defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across various contests

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