🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - why 'unstoppable force' Arsenal have become the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace There's little doubt why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' top picks to win the Premier League during this term. Examine their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus those same matches during the prior term. The Gunners have beaten all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race last season. Defensive Prowess Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title target. They stand first for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and xGA (5.3). The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the finest in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Dominance Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, 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, a couple extra 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 wary of them and it is excellent to see." Championship Pedigree What is especially notable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played 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 maintain victories, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. This marks the premier instance 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 pressure was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004. But the spending has so far proven successful in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries. Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games 385 minutes without letting in a goal Only three goals in 12 games across various contests Former players and experts have labeled Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and purpose.