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It's obvious why Arsenal stand as countless pundits' top picks to secure 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 in the current season, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Defense

Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title goal.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the strongest in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Expertise

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but competing clubs still don't know how to neutralize 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 do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see."

Title Claims

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City at home - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Shutouts in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across various contests

Former players and experts have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and determination.