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There's little doubt why Arsenal have become numerous fans' top picks to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Consider their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches in the previous campaign.

The Gunners have beaten all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 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 seeming ready to at last realize their title target.

They lead the league for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Expertise

Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but rival sides still find it difficult to contain the Gunners from these situations.

They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations.

"Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Pedigree

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

While they continue triumphing, their long-standing opponents 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 scrutiny was on manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far yielded results in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without letting in a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and analysts have characterized Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now operating with belief and determination.