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The proof is unmistakable why Arsenal stand as many people's preferred choice to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

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

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

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title target.

They rank top for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but competing clubs still struggle to contain the Gunners from these chances.

They have scored 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 excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is even more impressive about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they maintain victories, 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 pressure was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer signings in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the business has so far yielded results in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in each of their last three Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across various contests

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