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The proof is unmistakable why Arsenal have become many people's top picks to secure the Premier League in the current campaign.

Consider their results against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have beaten 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 Dominance

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title goal.

They lead the league for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Proficiency

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but rival sides still struggle to stop the Gunners from these situations.

They have scored 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 excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just wary of them and it is wonderful to see."

Title Credentials

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 historic competitors are struggling. 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 beginning, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite several injuries.

• Unbreached games in each of their last three Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without allowing a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and pundits have described Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now operating with confidence and purpose.