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There's no doubt why Arsenal have become countless pundits' top picks to claim the Premier League this season.

Look at their results against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have defeated all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race last season.

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They stand first for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

The central defensive pairing 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.

Set-Piece Expertise

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but rival sides still don't know how to stop the Gunners from these chances.

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

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just afraid 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 faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors are struggling. 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the tightest defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

Former players and analysts have described Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and resolve.