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It's clear why Arsenal are now numerous fans' favorites to secure the Premier League during this term.

Examine their results against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches last season.

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

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title goal.

They lead the league for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Dominance

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but opposition teams still struggle to contain the Gunners from these situations.

They have registered 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 do a bit of everything 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 notable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - 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 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without allowing 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 hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with confidence and resolve.