🔗 Share this article 'People are afraid' - the reasons 'powerhouse' Arsenal are the team to beat. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace The proof is undeniable why Arsenal are now numerous fans' top picks to win the Premier League this season. Examine their results against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus those same matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have overcome all of them in the current season, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race in the prior campaign. Defensive Prowess Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title target. They lead the league for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (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 keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Mastery Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but competing clubs still struggle to contain the Gunners from these opportunities. They have registered 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 do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just wary of them and it is great to see." Championship Pedigree What is even more impressive about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City on home turf - and are still ahead by four points at the top. While they keep winning, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. 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 pressure was on manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having spent around £250m on eight summer additions in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004. But the spending has so far yielded results in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries. Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games Over six hours without allowing a goal Only three goals in 12 games across every tournament Former players and analysts have characterized Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with belief and determination.