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There's no doubt why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' top picks to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race previously.

Impenetrable Defense

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

They rank top for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (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 Superiority

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but competing clubs still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these chances.

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 do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see."

Title Potential

What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. This marks the initial occasion 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 expectations was on boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in each of their last three Premier League games
• 385 minutes without letting in a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and analysts have described Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now operating with belief and resolve.