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The proof is unmistakable why Arsenal have become many people's top picks to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches in the previous campaign.

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

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title goal.

They lead the league for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their danger from dead balls is well known, but rival sides still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these chances.

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

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is great to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is especially impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered 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 keep winning, their traditional rivals 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 acquisitions in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with conviction and determination.