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The proof is undeniable why Arsenal are now numerous fans' top picks to claim the Premier League this season.

Consider their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with 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 previously.

Impenetrable Backline

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

They lead the league for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3).

The center-back duo 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.

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their threat from set-pieces is widely recognized, but rival sides still find it difficult to stop 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 coming 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 excellent to see."

Championship Claims

What is especially impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top.

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

But the spending has so far paid off in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight 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.