'People are fearful' - the reasons 'unstoppable force' Arsenal have become the side to defeat.

The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal are now numerous fans' top picks to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Examine their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches last season.

The Gunners have overcome all of them in the current season, but lost 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race last season.

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title goal.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the strongest in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Expertise

Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but opposition teams still don't know how to stop the Gunners from these chances.

They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming from these situations.

"Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is wonderful to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals are struggling. This marks the first time 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 beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer additions in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far proven successful in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite several injuries.

• Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across every tournament

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