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There's no doubt why Arsenal have become countless pundits' favorites to secure the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches during the prior term.

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

Defensive Strength

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

They rank top for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but opposition teams still don't know how to contain 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 coming from these situations.

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see."

Championship Claims

What is even more notable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City at home - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their historic competitors face difficulties. This marks the first time at this juncture 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 spent around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that elusive first title since 2004.

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

• Shutouts in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and determination.