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The proof is unmistakable why Arsenal have become numerous fans' preferred choice to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Look at their results against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have defeated all of them during this campaign, but lost 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race in the prior campaign.

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's backline resilience is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title ambition.

They rank top for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but opposition teams still don't know how to contain the Gunners from these situations.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional 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 daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see."

Title Potential

What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also encountered 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 maintain victories, their traditional rivals face difficulties. This marks the first time 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 expectations was on manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far proven successful in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in each of their last three Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and analysts have characterized Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and purpose.