🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - why 'unstoppable force' Arsenal are the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace It's evident why Arsenal stand as many people's preferred choice to claim the Premier League during this term. Consider their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those same matches last season. The Gunners have overcome all of them this time around, but dropped 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race previously. Defensive Dominance Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title goal. They rank top for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (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. Dead-Ball Dominance Their effectiveness from free kicks is highly documented, but rival sides still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these situations. They have registered 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 perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see." Championship Claims What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's start 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 leading by four at the top. While they keep winning, their traditional rivals are struggling. This marks the premier instance 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 scrutiny was on manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004. But the business has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries. Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games Over six hours without letting in a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across various contests Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now performing with belief and resolve.