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It's obvious why Arsenal are now numerous fans' top picks to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Examine their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches last season.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race in the prior campaign.

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title goal.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Dominance

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but rival sides still struggle to contain the Gunners from these chances.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional 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 Pedigree

What is even more impressive about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City at home - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. This marks the initial occasion 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 start, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far proven successful in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• 385 minutes without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and experts have described Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with confidence and resolve.