🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - why 'juggernaut' Arsenal have become the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace It's clear why Arsenal stand as many people's preferred choice to win the Premier League in the current campaign. Look at their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches last season. The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race last season. Impenetrable Rearguard Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title goal. They stand first for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the best in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Dominance Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but rival sides still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these situations. They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming from these situations. "Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see." Title Claims What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered 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 keep winning, their long-standing opponents 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 scrutiny was on manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that coveted first title since 2004. But the business has so far proven successful in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite several injuries. Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games Over six hours without letting in a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across various contests Former players and pundits have characterized Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and resolve.