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There's little doubt why Arsenal have become numerous fans' favorites to secure the Premier League during this term.

Examine their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches last season.

The Gunners have defeated all of them this time around, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race previously.

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title ambition.

They stand first for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but competing clubs still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these situations.

They have scored 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 do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just wary of them and it is great to see."

Championship Credentials

What is especially notable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City on home turf - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors face difficulties. This marks the initial occasion 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite numerous 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 experts have labeled Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and resolve.