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It's obvious why Arsenal have become countless pundits' top picks to secure the Premier League this season.

Examine their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches last season.

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

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title goal.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Expertise

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but competing clubs still don't know how to neutralize 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 resulting from these situations.

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Claims

What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. This marks the first time 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 pressure was on manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across various contests

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