🔗 Share this article 'People are afraid' - the reasons 'unstoppable force' Arsenal are the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal have become countless pundits' favorites to secure the Premier League this season. Look at their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those same matches last season. The Gunners have defeated all of them in the current season, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race previously. Impenetrable Rearguard Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title ambition. They stand first for shutouts (6), goals allowed (3), shots faced (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the strongest in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Proficiency Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but opposition teams still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities. They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra 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 intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is great to see." Title Credentials What is even more impressive about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still leading by four at the top. While they continue triumphing, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. This marks the initial occasion 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that elusive first title since 2004. But the investment has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite several injuries. Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games Nearly 6.5 hours without allowing a goal Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across every tournament Former players and analysts have characterized Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now performing with conviction and resolve.