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The proof is unmistakable why Arsenal are now countless pundits' favorites to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches during the prior term.

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

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title goal.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

The defensive partnership 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 widely recognized, but opposition teams still struggle to contain the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have notched 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 fearful of them and it is great to see."

Title Credentials

What is even more impressive about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City on home turf - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors are struggling. This marks the initial occasion 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the business has so far proven successful in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the tightest defense, despite several injuries.

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

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