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The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal have become many people's favorites to secure the Premier League during this term.

Look at their results against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches last season.

The Gunners have beaten all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season.

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title ambition.

They stand first for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and xGA (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the strongest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but rival sides still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these situations.

They have notched 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 fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Pedigree

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 at home - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they maintain victories, their traditional rivals are struggling. 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and pundits have characterized Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with confidence and resolve.