🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - why 'powerhouse' Arsenal have become the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates Arsenal's victory over Crystal Palace It's evident why Arsenal have become numerous fans' preferred choice to claim the Premier League during this term. Examine their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches last season. The Gunners have overcome all of them this time around, but lost 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race previously. Impenetrable Rearguard Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title goal. They lead the league for unbreached games (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the finest in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Superiority Their danger from dead balls is well known, but opposition teams still struggle to contain the Gunners from these situations. They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations. "Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is great 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 at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still ahead by four points at the top. While they keep winning, their traditional rivals are struggling. This marks the premier instance 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 scrutiny was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004. But the spending has so far paid off in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries. Shutouts in each of their last three Premier League games 385 minutes without conceding a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions Former players and pundits have labeled Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and purpose.