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There's no doubt why Arsenal have become numerous fans' favorites to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Consider their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have defeated all of them this time around, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race in the prior campaign.

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title goal.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their threat from set-pieces is widely recognized, but rival sides still find it difficult to contain the Gunners from these situations.

They have scored 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 perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City on home turf - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they keep winning, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. This marks the premier instance 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having spent around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

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

• Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and pundits have characterized Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and purpose.