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There's no doubt why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' top picks to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their results against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have defeated all of them this time around, but lost 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's backline resilience is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title goal.

They rank top for clean sheets (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 possibly the finest in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but competing clubs still find it difficult to neutralize 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 excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just wary of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's start 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 leading by four at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals face difficulties. This marks the initial occasion 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 pressure was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far proven successful in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite several injuries.

• Shutouts in each of their last three Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and analysts have characterized Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with confidence and purpose.