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It's evident why Arsenal are now numerous fans' preferred choice to win the Premier League during this term.

Look at their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches last season.

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

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's backline resilience is a primary factor why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title ambition.

They stand first for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Expertise

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but competing clubs still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these situations.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting 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 great to see."

Title Claims

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

While they keep winning, their traditional rivals are struggling. 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in remarkable manner, 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
• Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across every tournament

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