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The proof is unmistakable why Arsenal stand as countless pundits' preferred choice to secure the Premier League this season.

Look at their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches last season.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race previously.

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's backline resilience is a primary factor why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title target.

They rank top for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but opposition teams still don't know how to contain the Gunners from these situations.

They have scored 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 fear factor. People are just fearful 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 on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, 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 manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the tightest defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• 385 minutes without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions

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