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It's evident why Arsenal stand as many people's top picks to secure the Premier League during this term.

Examine their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have overcome all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race in the prior campaign.

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title goal.

They stand first for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Expertise

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but competing clubs still don't know how to contain the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming from these situations.

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see."

Title Credentials

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

While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. This marks the premier instance at this juncture 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 start, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far yielded results in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Shutouts in three straight 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 labeled Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and purpose.