🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - the reasons 'unstoppable force' Arsenal have become the squad everyone fears. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace The evidence is undeniable why Arsenal have become numerous fans' top picks to win the Premier League in the current campaign. Consider their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches last season. The Gunners have overcome all of them in the current season, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season. Impenetrable Defense Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title goal. They lead the league for shutouts (6), goals conceded (3), shots faced (72), quality opportunities against (19) and expected goals against (5.3). The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the best in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Mastery Their effectiveness from free kicks is highly documented, but competing clubs still find it difficult to stop the Gunners from these opportunities. They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating 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 excellent to see." Title Potential What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City on home turf - and are still ahead by four points at the top. While they maintain victories, their historic competitors aren't faring so well. This marks the premier instance 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 scrutiny was on manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that elusive first title since 2004. But the business has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and having the tightest defense, despite several injuries. Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games 385 minutes without letting in a goal Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across all competitions Former players and analysts have described Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and purpose.