🔗 Share this article 'People are afraid' - the reasons 'unstoppable force' Arsenal are the squad everyone fears. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal have become countless pundits' top picks to secure the Premier League this season. Look at their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have overcome all of them in the current season, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race previously. Defensive Dominance Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title target. They rank top for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the best in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Proficiency Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but opposition teams still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these situations. They have notched 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 do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see." Championship Claims What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still leading by four at the top. While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. 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 pressure was on boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that coveted first title since 2004. But the spending has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries. Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games Over six hours without allowing a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across various contests Former players and analysts have described Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now functioning with confidence and resolve.