🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal have become the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace It's obvious why Arsenal stand as countless pundits' top picks to secure the Premier League this season. Look at their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches last season. The Gunners have defeated all of them in the current season, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race in the prior campaign. Impenetrable Backline Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title goal. They rank top for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the strongest in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Proficiency Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but competing clubs still struggle to stop the Gunners from these chances. They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting from these situations. "Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just fearful of them and it is wonderful to see." Title Credentials What is especially impressive 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 four points clear at the top. While they keep winning, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. This marks the initial occasion 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that coveted first title since 2004. But the business has so far yielded results in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries. Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games 385 minutes without letting in a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament Former players and analysts have described Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and determination.