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

Consider their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those same matches in the previous campaign.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race in the prior campaign.

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title ambition.

They stand first for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the finest 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 well known, but competing clubs still find it difficult to contain 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 coming from these situations.

"Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just wary of them and it is wonderful to see."

Title Potential

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

While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents are struggling. This marks the first time at this stage 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games
• 385 minutes without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and analysts have described Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with confidence and determination.