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There's little doubt why Arsenal stand as many people's top picks to secure the Premier League in the current campaign.

Examine their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those same 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 in the prior campaign.

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's defensive strength is a crucial element why they are appearing strong to finally fulfil their title target.

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

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the best 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 well known, but rival sides still find it difficult to contain the Gunners from these opportunities.

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

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

Championship Pedigree

What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City at home - and are still leading by four at the top.

While they maintain victories, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. 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 manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

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

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• 385 minutes without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and pundits have characterized Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now operating with confidence and resolve.