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The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal are now countless pundits' preferred choice to claim the Premier League during this term.

Look at their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those same matches in the previous campaign.

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

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title target.

They rank top for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Dominance

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but rival sides still find it difficult to contain the Gunners from these chances.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations.

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

Title Claims

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City on home turf - and are still ahead by four points 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 scrutiny was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the strongest defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight 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 experts have described Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and determination.