🔗 Share this article

There's no doubt why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' favorites to claim the Premier League this season.

Consider their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches in the previous campaign.

The Gunners have overcome all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race previously.

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title target.

They stand first for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the strongest 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 competing clubs still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations.

"Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see."

Championship Pedigree

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

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

But the business has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite several injuries.

• Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across various contests

Former players and experts have labeled Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and purpose.