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It's obvious why Arsenal have become countless pundits' top picks to secure the Premier League this season.

Look at their results against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have beaten all of them this time around, but dropped 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race in the prior campaign.

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Dominance

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but rival sides still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these chances.

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 do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just wary of them and it is wonderful to see."

Title Credentials

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. This marks the first time 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having spent around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the business has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and boasting the strongest defense, despite several injuries.

• Unbreached games 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 "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with confidence and resolve.