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It's clear why Arsenal are now countless pundits' favorites to secure the Premier League this season.

Examine their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent matches last season.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but lost 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race previously.

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are appearing strong to ultimately achieve their title goal.

They rank top for unbreached games (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their effectiveness from free kicks is widely recognized, but competing clubs still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these chances.

They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations.

"Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just wary of them and it is great to see."

Title Potential

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. This marks the first time 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the outset, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across various contests

Former players and experts have characterized Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with conviction and purpose.