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It's obvious why Arsenal have become many people's favorites to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their results against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches during the prior term.

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

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title target.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and xGA (5.3).

The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the best in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but rival sides still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these chances.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting from these situations.

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see."

Championship Credentials

What is even more notable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City at home - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Shutouts in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without allowing a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across every tournament

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