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The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal are now countless pundits' favorites to claim the Premier League this season.

Look at their results against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have beaten all of them during this campaign, but dropped 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season.

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title ambition.

They stand first for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and xGA (5.3).

The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the best in the league, with Arsenal recording a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Set-Piece Mastery

Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but opposition teams still don't know how to contain the Gunners from these opportunities.

They have notched 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 daunting aura. People are just afraid of them and it is great to see."

Title Potential

What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they keep winning, 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 pressure was on boss Mikel Arteta at the outset, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit 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 boasting the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and pundits have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and resolve.