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It's clear why Arsenal are now numerous fans' top picks to win the Premier League this season.

Examine their results against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus those same matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but lost 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race previously.

Defensive Prowess

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

They stand first for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but competing clubs still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these chances.

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 intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is great to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City at home - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they keep winning, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the business has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions

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