'People are fearful' - why 'juggernaut' Arsenal have become the side to defeat.

There's little doubt why Arsenal have become numerous fans' preferred choice to win the Premier League this season.

Examine their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches during the prior term.

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 Strength

Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but rival sides still struggle to contain the Gunners from these situations.

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

Championship Credentials

What is especially notable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City on home turf - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

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

• Shutouts in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without letting in a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across various contests

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