🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal have become the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace There's no doubt why Arsenal stand as countless pundits' top picks to secure the Premier League in the current campaign. Consider their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches during the prior term. The Gunners have beaten all of them this time around, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race in the prior campaign. Impenetrable Backline Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title ambition. They lead the league for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the finest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Mastery Their effectiveness from free kicks is highly documented, but competing clubs still find it difficult 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 fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see." Title Claims What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City at home - and are still leading by four at the top. While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals are struggling. 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 pressure was on manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that elusive first title since 2004. But the business has so far paid off in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries. Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games 385 minutes without conceding a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across various contests Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and resolve.