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The proof is undeniable why Arsenal stand as many people's preferred choice to secure the Premier League during this term.

Examine their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches last season.

The Gunners have overcome all of them this time around, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title goal.

They rank top for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

The central defensive pairing 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.

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but competing clubs still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming 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 excellent to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is even more notable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they continue triumphing, 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 pressure was on boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer signings in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and pundits have characterized Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now performing with conviction and determination.