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The proof is unmistakable why Arsenal have become countless pundits' top picks to claim the Premier League this season.

Consider their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches last season.

The Gunners have defeated all of them during this campaign, but dropped 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but opposition teams still struggle to contain the Gunners from these chances.

They have scored 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 perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is even more impressive about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City at home - 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the business has so far yielded results in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

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