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The proof is undeniable why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' preferred choice to claim the Premier League this season.

Look at their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches in the previous campaign.

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 previously.

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title ambition.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and xGA (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the best 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 widely recognized, but competing clubs still find it difficult to stop 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 coming from these situations.

"Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see."

Title Potential

What is even more impressive about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City at home - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, their historic competitors 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 expectations was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and boasting the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Shutouts in each of their last three Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and pundits have described Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and determination.