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It's clear why Arsenal are now many people's top picks to claim the Premier League during this term.

Examine their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have defeated all of them during this campaign, but lost 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title target.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the strongest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but opposition teams still struggle to contain the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have scored 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 do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. This marks the first time 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 outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Shutouts in three straight Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

Former players and pundits have labeled Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and determination.