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The evidence is undeniable why Arsenal stand as countless pundits' preferred choice to claim the Premier League this season.

Look at their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches last season.

The Gunners have overcome all of them in the current season, but lost 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Defense

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

They stand first for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Expertise

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but competing clubs still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations.

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

Title Credentials

What is particularly 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 at home - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. This marks the premier instance 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that long-awaited 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 having the tightest defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without letting in a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

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