🔗 Share this article 'People are afraid' - the reasons 'powerhouse' Arsenal have become the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace The proof is undeniable why Arsenal stand as countless pundits' top picks to secure the Premier League in the current campaign. Examine their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have defeated all of them this time around, but lost 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race in the prior campaign. Defensive Dominance Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title ambition. They stand first for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the strongest in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Dominance Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but rival sides still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities. They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming from these situations. "Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is wonderful to see." Title Claims What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top. While they maintain victories, their historic competitors are struggling. This marks the initial occasion 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 allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004. But the investment has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries. Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions Former players and experts have labeled Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now performing with conviction and determination.