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The proof is undeniable why Arsenal are now numerous fans' favorites to secure the Premier League this season.

Look at their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those same matches last season.

The Gunners have overcome all of them this time around, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race previously.

Impenetrable Backline

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title target.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (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.

Set-Piece Mastery

Their danger from dead balls is well known, 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, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming from these situations.

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just afraid of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Claims

What is even more notable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also played 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 keep winning, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. This marks the premier instance 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 manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having spent around £250m on eight summer additions in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the strongest defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and experts have characterized Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now operating with confidence and determination.