'People are afraid' - why 'unstoppable force' Arsenal have become the side to defeat.

The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal are now countless pundits' preferred choice to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches last season.

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

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title goal.

They rank top for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Expertise

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but rival sides still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these situations.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting from these situations.

"Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just wary of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Claims

What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's start 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 four points clear at the top.

While they maintain victories, their historic competitors are struggling. This marks the initial occasion 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

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

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

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