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There's no doubt why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' top picks to secure the Premier League during this term.

Consider their results against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches during the prior term.

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

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title ambition.

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

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the strongest in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but competing clubs still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these situations.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming from these situations.

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City at home - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their historic competitors face difficulties. This marks the initial occasion at this point 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far yielded results in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and experts have described Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now operating with belief and resolve.