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The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal have become numerous fans' preferred choice to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Examine their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches last season.

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

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title target.

They stand first for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3).

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the best 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 opposition teams still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have notched 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 daunting aura. People are just wary of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Claims

What is especially impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced 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 continue triumphing, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. This marks the initial occasion at this juncture 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 beginning, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the business has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in each of their last three Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

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