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There's little doubt why Arsenal have become numerous fans' top picks to claim the Premier League this season.

Examine their results against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with 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 faded in the title race previously.

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title ambition.

They rank top for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but competing clubs still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these chances.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional 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 fearful of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Potential

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

While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents are struggling. This marks the first time 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 pressure was on manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

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

• Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games
• 385 minutes without letting in a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

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