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There's no doubt why Arsenal have become many people's preferred choice to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Examine their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have defeated all of them during this campaign, but dropped 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title goal.

They stand first for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Dominance

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

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra 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 afraid of them and it is great to see."

Title Claims

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

While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. This marks the first time at this stage 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having spent around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the tightest defense, despite several injuries.

• Shutouts in three straight Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across various contests

Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with conviction and determination.