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The proof is unmistakable why Arsenal are now countless pundits' top picks to claim the Premier League this season.

Look at their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have defeated 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 primary factor why they are appearing strong to ultimately achieve their title target.

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

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

Dead-Ball Dominance

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but opposition teams still find it difficult to neutralize 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 resulting from these situations.

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

Title Potential

What is even more 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 leading by four at the top.

While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. 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 outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the business has so far proven successful in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without letting in a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and analysts have described Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with confidence and resolve.