🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - the reasons 'unstoppable force' Arsenal have become the team to beat. Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace There's no doubt why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' favorites to win the Premier League during this term. Consider their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches during the prior term. The Gunners have beaten all of them this time around, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race in the prior campaign. Defensive Strength Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title target. They rank top for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3). The center-back duo 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 Expertise Their effectiveness from free kicks is highly documented, but rival sides still find it difficult to contain the Gunners from these situations. They have notched 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 do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is excellent to see." Championship Claims What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered 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 maintain victories, their long-standing opponents are struggling. 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 pressure was on boss Mikel Arteta at the outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004. But the spending has so far yielded results in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries. Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games 385 minutes without allowing a goal Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across all competitions Former players and analysts have characterized Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and determination.