🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - why 'unstoppable force' Arsenal are the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace There's little doubt why Arsenal have become many people's top picks to claim the Premier League during this term. Examine their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches last season. The Gunners have defeated all of them this time around, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race previously. Defensive Strength Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title goal. They lead the league for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the strongest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Excellence Their effectiveness from free kicks is highly documented, but competing clubs still struggle to contain the Gunners from these situations. They have notched 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 intimidation presence. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see." Title Credentials What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top. While they maintain victories, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. This marks the initial occasion 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having spent around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that elusive first title since 2004. But the investment has so far paid off in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite several injuries. Shutouts in each of their last three Premier League games Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions Former players and analysts have characterized Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and determination.