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It's evident why Arsenal are now numerous fans' top picks to secure the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches in the previous campaign.

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

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's backline resilience is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title ambition.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Dominance

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but competing clubs still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations.

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is great to see."

Title Credentials

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

While they maintain victories, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. This marks the first time 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 scrutiny was on manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Shutouts in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and experts have labeled Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and resolve.