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The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal have become countless pundits' preferred choice to secure the Premier League this season.

Examine their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches last season.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race in the prior campaign.

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title target.

They stand first for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Expertise

Their danger from dead balls is well known, but opposition teams still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these situations.

They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more 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 wary of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they keep winning, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. This marks the premier instance 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far paid off in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Shutouts in each of their last three Premier League games
• 385 minutes without allowing a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and analysts have characterized Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with belief and purpose.