🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - why 'unstoppable force' Arsenal are the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal are now countless pundits' favorites to secure the Premier League this season. Examine their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches last season. The Gunners have overcome all of them during this campaign, but dropped 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race previously. Defensive Dominance Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title target. They lead the league for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (5.3). The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the best in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Proficiency Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but competing clubs still struggle to stop the Gunners from these situations. They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting from these situations. "Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see." Championship Pedigree What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also played 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 traditional rivals 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 manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having spent around £250m on eight summer additions in quest of that elusive first title since 2004. But the business has so far proven successful in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the strongest defense, despite several injuries. Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games 385 minutes without conceding a goal Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions Former players and experts have described Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and resolve.