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The evidence is undeniable why Arsenal have become many people's favorites to secure the Premier League during this term.

Consider their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches in the previous campaign.

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

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title ambition.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but competing clubs still find it difficult to stop 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 wonderful to see."

Title Potential

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

While they maintain victories, their traditional rivals face difficulties. 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 pressure was on manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having spent around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far paid off in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight 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 "juggernaut, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with confidence and resolve.