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It's obvious why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' favorites to win the Premier League this season.

Examine their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches last season.

The Gunners have overcome all of them during this campaign, but lost 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race last season.

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title ambition.

They rank top for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the finest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but competing clubs still struggle to contain the Gunners from these chances.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming from these situations.

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Credentials

What is even more impressive about Arsenal's commencement 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 historic competitors face difficulties. 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the business has so far proven successful in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite several injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight 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 "unstoppable force, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and resolve.