🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - why 'unstoppable force' Arsenal are the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal are now countless pundits' top picks to win the Premier League this season. Look at their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches last season. The Gunners have overcome all of them this time around, but dropped 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race in the prior campaign. Defensive Strength Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title goal. They rank top for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3). The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the strongest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Proficiency Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, 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, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming 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." Championship Pedigree What is even more impressive about Arsenal's beginning 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 ahead by four points at the top. While they keep winning, their historic competitors 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004. But the investment has so far yielded results in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries. Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions Former players and pundits have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now operating with confidence and resolve.