🔗 Share this article 'People are afraid' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal have become the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace There's little doubt why Arsenal are now many people's favorites to claim the Premier League in the current campaign. Examine their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those same matches during the prior term. The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race last season. Defensive Prowess Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title ambition. They stand first for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and expected goals against (5.3). The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the best in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Dominance Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but competing clubs still find it difficult 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 resulting 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 wonderful to see." Title Claims What is especially notable about Arsenal's commencement 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 leading by four at the top. While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals face difficulties. 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 pressure was on boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that elusive first title since 2004. But the business has so far paid off in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries. Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games 385 minutes without conceding a goal Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across all competitions Former players and experts have described Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now functioning with confidence and determination.