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The proof is undeniable why Arsenal are now countless pundits' favorites to secure the Premier League this season.

Consider their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches last season.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race last season.

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title ambition.

They rank top for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but rival sides still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these chances.

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

Title Credentials

What is especially notable about Arsenal's commencement 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 four points clear at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. This marks the first time 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 spent around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the spending 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.

• Unbreached games in each of their last three Premier League games
• 385 minutes without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across various contests

Former players and experts have described Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and purpose.