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There's no doubt why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' favorites to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their results against West Ham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches last season.

The Gunners have defeated all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season.

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), shots let in (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 finest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but competing clubs still don't know how to neutralize 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 originating from these situations.

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just wary of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Claims

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's commencement 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 leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents are struggling. 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 manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far proven successful in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• 385 minutes without letting in a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and experts have described Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and determination.