'People are fearful' - the reasons 'unstoppable force' Arsenal have become the side to defeat.

It's obvious why Arsenal stand as countless pundits' top picks to secure the Premier League during this term.

Consider their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches in the previous campaign.

The Gunners have overcome all of them in the current season, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race previously.

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title target.

They stand first for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but competing clubs still struggle to contain the Gunners from these situations.

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 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 Potential

What is even more notable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their long-standing opponents are struggling. 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 outset, having spent around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the business has so far proven successful in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite several injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across every tournament

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