🔗 Share this article 'People are afraid' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal are the squad everyone fears. Gabriel Magalhaes marks Arsenal's victory over Crystal Palace The proof is undeniable why Arsenal are now many people's preferred choice to claim the Premier League in the current campaign. Consider their performances against Newcastle and Crystal Palace in contrast with those identical matches during the prior term. The Gunners have defeated all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race in the prior campaign. Impenetrable Defense Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to ultimately achieve their title target. They lead the league for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), shots faced (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3). The central defensive pairing 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 effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but competing clubs still find it difficult 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 excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is excellent to see." Title Credentials What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top. While they keep winning, their historic competitors are struggling. 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 scrutiny was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that coveted first title since 2004. But the business has so far paid off in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and having the strongest defense, despite numerous injuries. Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games Nearly 6.5 hours without allowing a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now operating with belief and resolve.