'People are afraid' - why 'powerhouse' Arsenal have become the team to beat.

The proof is undeniable why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' preferred choice to secure the Premier League during this term.

Look at their results against West Ham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches last season.

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

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's backline resilience is a primary factor why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title target.

They stand first for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the strongest in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but opposition teams still struggle to stop 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 coming from these situations.

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see."

Title Credentials

What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents are struggling. 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 scrutiny was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer signings in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far paid off in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the most resilient 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 all competitions

Former players and analysts have described Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and purpose.