🔗 Share this article 'People are afraid' - the reasons 'unstoppable force' Arsenal have become the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace The proof is unmistakable why Arsenal are now numerous fans' top picks to win the Premier League in the current campaign. Consider their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches during the prior term. The Gunners have beaten 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 solidity is a key reason why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title goal. They stand first for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3). The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the strongest in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Dominance Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but rival sides still struggle to stop the Gunners from these situations. They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional 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 intimidation presence. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see." Championship Credentials What is especially impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top. While they continue triumphing, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that long-awaited first title since 2004. But the business has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries. Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games 385 minutes without letting in a goal Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across every tournament Former players and analysts have characterized Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with confidence and resolve.