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The proof is undeniable why Arsenal have become many people's preferred choice to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Consider their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches in the previous campaign.

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

Impenetrable Defense

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

They lead the league for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Dominance

Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but rival sides still don't know how to contain the Gunners from these situations.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting from these situations.

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Claims

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals 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 expectations was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across every tournament

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