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There's little doubt why Arsenal have become numerous fans' favorites to win the Premier League this season.

Examine their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches in the previous campaign.

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

Impenetrable Rearguard

Arsenal's backline resilience is a primary factor why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title ambition.

They stand first for clean sheets (6), goals allowed (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and xGA (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the strongest in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but rival sides still don't know how to stop the Gunners from these situations.

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

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just afraid of them and it is wonderful to see."

Title Credentials

What is even more impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they keep winning, 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 pressure was on boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Shutouts in three straight Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now performing with conviction and purpose.