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The evidence is undeniable why Arsenal stand as many people's top picks to win the Premier League during this term.

Examine their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches last season.

The Gunners have defeated all of them this time around, but dropped 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race previously.

Defensive Strength

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

They stand first for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (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 maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their effectiveness from free kicks is highly documented, but rival sides still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these situations.

They have registered 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 perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see."

Championship Claims

What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's start 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 leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, their traditional rivals are struggling. This marks the premier instance 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 invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that elusive 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 possessing the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and pundits have described Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and determination.