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It's obvious why Arsenal are now countless pundits' top picks to claim the Premier League in the current campaign.

Examine their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace versus those identical matches last season.

The Gunners have defeated all of them this time around, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season.

Defensive Prowess

Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to at last realize their title ambition.

They lead the league for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and xGA (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Expertise

Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but opposition teams still struggle to contain the Gunners from these chances.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, a couple extra than any other side, with 69% of their goals resulting 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 especially impressive about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City at home - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents are struggling. 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that long-awaited first title since 2004.

But the investment has so far proven successful in remarkable manner, with his side second top scorers in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries.

• Clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across every tournament

Former players and experts have labeled Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and determination.