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The evidence is undeniable why Arsenal have become countless pundits' preferred choice to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Consider their outcomes 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 dropped 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race in the prior campaign.

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's backline resilience is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title ambition.

They lead the league for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (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.

Set-Piece Mastery

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but opposition teams still struggle to stop the Gunners from these chances.

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

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just wary of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Credentials

What is especially remarkable 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 ahead by four points at the top.

While they maintain victories, their traditional rivals face difficulties. This marks the first time 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 scrutiny was on manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far proven successful in remarkable manner, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the tightest defense, despite several injuries.

• Unbreached games 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 described Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now operating with confidence and purpose.