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The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal have become countless pundits' favorites to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Examine their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches in the previous campaign.

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

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title target.

They stand first for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but opposition teams still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have registered 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 afraid of them and it is great to see."

Title Claims

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors 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 pressure was on boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far proven successful in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite several injuries.

• Unbreached games in each of their last three Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across every tournament

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