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It's obvious why Arsenal are now countless pundits' favorites to win the Premier League during this term.

Consider their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches last season.

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

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title target.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), shots faced (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but rival sides still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these situations.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations.

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Potential

What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City at home - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their long-standing opponents are struggling. This marks the premier instance 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 additions in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

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