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It's clear why Arsenal are now numerous fans' favorites to win the Premier League in the current campaign.

Examine their results against Fulham and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches last season.

The Gunners have beaten all of them during this campaign, but lost 10 points across those games as they fell away in the title race in the prior campaign.

Defensive Prowess

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

They stand first for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and xGA (5.3).

The center-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba is potentially the best in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games.

Dead-Ball Dominance

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

They have scored 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals coming from these situations.

"Arsenal can excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is great to see."

Championship Pedigree

What is especially impressive about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they maintain victories, their traditional rivals face difficulties. This marks the first time at this stage of the season since 1992 that none of Manchester City and United, Liverpool or Chelsea are in the Premier League top four.

The expectations was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the business has so far yielded results in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Shutouts in three straight Premier League games
• Over six hours without allowing a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and pundits have described Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and resolve.