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There's no doubt why Arsenal have become numerous fans' favorites to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Examine their results against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches during the prior term.

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

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title goal.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and xGA (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the best in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but competing clubs still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these situations.

They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting 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."

Title Potential

What is even more impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their historic competitors are struggling. This marks the first time at this juncture 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 acquisitions in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite several injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across various contests

Former players and pundits have described Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now performing with conviction and determination.