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There's no doubt why Arsenal are now numerous fans' preferred choice to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Consider their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches last season.

The Gunners have defeated all of them this time around, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race previously.

Defensive Dominance

Arsenal's defensive strength is a primary factor why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title goal.

They lead the league for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Mastery

Their threat from set-pieces is well known, but rival sides still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these chances.

They have registered 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 daunting aura. People are just wary of them and it is excellent to see."

Championship Claims

What is particularly notable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City on home turf - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they continue triumphing, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. 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 pressure was on manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in pursuit of that elusive 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 numerous injuries.

• Unbreached games in each of their last three Premier League games
• Over six hours without conceding a goal
• Only three goals in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and pundits have characterized Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now performing with belief and resolve.