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It's obvious why Arsenal have become countless pundits' favorites to win the Premier League this season.

Consider their results against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches in the previous campaign.

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

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title ambition.

They lead the league for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the finest in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but opposition teams 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 originating from these situations.

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is great to see."

Title Credentials

What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. 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 scrutiny was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far paid off in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and resolve.