🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - why 'unstoppable force' Arsenal have become the team to beat. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace The proof is undeniable why Arsenal stand as many people's preferred choice to claim the Premier League this season. Consider their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches last season. The Gunners have defeated all of them this time around, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race last season. Defensive Prowess Arsenal's defensive solidity is a primary factor why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title goal. They rank top for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), shots faced (72), quality opportunities against (19) and xGA (5.3). The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the best in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Excellence Their threat from set-pieces is widely recognized, but rival sides still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these chances. They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting from these situations. "Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is great to see." Championship Credentials What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still four points clear at the top. While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. 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 scrutiny was on boss Mikel Arteta at the outset, having spent around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that coveted first title since 2004. But the investment has so far yielded results in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries. Unbreached games in each of their last three Premier League games 385 minutes without conceding 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 hard to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and purpose.