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The evidence is undeniable why Arsenal have become countless pundits' favorites to claim the Premier League this season.

Examine their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches in the previous campaign.

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

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title ambition.

They lead the league for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the finest in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but rival sides still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these situations.

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

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

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also faced 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 continue triumphing, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. This marks the first time at this point 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 beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far yielded results in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

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