🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal are the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's victory over Crystal Palace The proof is undeniable why Arsenal have become many people's favorites to secure the Premier League during this term. Consider their results against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have beaten all of them during this campaign, but dropped 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race in the prior campaign. Impenetrable Defense Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title target. They stand first for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (5.3). The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the best in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Expertise Their effectiveness from free kicks is highly documented, but opposition teams still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these situations. 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 fear factor. People are just wary of them and it is excellent to see." Championship Claims What is especially notable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City at home - and are still ahead by four points at the top. While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. 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 pressure was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004. But the investment has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the strongest defense, despite several injuries. Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal Only three goals in 12 games across every tournament Former players and pundits have characterized Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now operating with belief and determination.