🔗 Share this article 'People are afraid' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal have become the team to beat. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace There's little doubt why Arsenal have become countless pundits' favorites to secure the Premier League this season. Consider their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but lost 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race in the prior campaign. Impenetrable Backline Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title ambition. They rank top for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (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 Expertise Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but rival sides still don't know how to stop the Gunners from these chances. They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more 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 daunting aura. People are just wary of them and it is excellent to see." Title Potential What is even more impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City at home - and are still four points clear at the top. While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents are struggling. 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 pressure was on manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings 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 having the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries. Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and resolve.