🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - the reasons 'powerhouse' Arsenal are the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace It's clear why Arsenal are now countless pundits' top picks to win the Premier League during this term. Examine their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have defeated all of them this time around, but dropped 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race in the prior campaign. Impenetrable Defense Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title ambition. They lead the league for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the best in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Expertise Their danger from dead balls is well known, but competing clubs still struggle to stop the Gunners from these chances. They have scored 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 daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see." Title Credentials What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City at home - and are still four points clear at the top. While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. This marks the initial occasion at this stage 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004. But the business has so far proven successful in remarkable manner, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries. Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games Nearly 6.5 hours without allowing a goal Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across all competitions Former players and experts have characterized Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now operating with belief and resolve.