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The evidence is undeniable why Arsenal are now countless pundits' top picks to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Examine their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches last season.

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

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title goal.

They lead the league for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but rival sides still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities.

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

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just afraid of them and it is great 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 at opposition grounds and Manchester City on home turf - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far yielded results in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and analysts have characterized Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with confidence and determination.