🔗 Share this article 'People are afraid' - the reasons 'powerhouse' Arsenal are the team to beat. Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' top picks to claim the Premier League during this term. Look at their results against Fulham and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches last season. The Gunners have overcome all of them this time around, but dropped 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race previously. Defensive Strength Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title goal. They rank top for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3). The central defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the strongest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Proficiency Their effectiveness from free kicks is highly documented, but opposition teams still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities. They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming from these situations. "Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a fear factor. People are just fearful of them and it is wonderful to see." Title Potential What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City on home turf - and are still four points clear at the top. While they continue triumphing, their long-standing opponents are struggling. This marks the first time at this point 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 allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004. But the business has so far yielded results in remarkable manner, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite several injuries. Clean sheets in three straight Premier League games 385 minutes without letting in a goal Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across every tournament Former players and experts have characterized Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now functioning with conviction and determination.