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It's obvious why Arsenal stand as countless pundits' preferred choice to secure the Premier League this season.

Examine their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches in the previous campaign.

The Gunners have overcome all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race previously.

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title ambition.

They stand first for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (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 danger from dead balls is well known, but competing clubs still struggle 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 do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is wonderful to see."

Title Credentials

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

While they maintain victories, their historic competitors face difficulties. This marks the initial occasion 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 pressure was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far yielded results in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games
• 385 minutes without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and experts have labeled Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and purpose.