🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - the reasons 'juggernaut' Arsenal are the team to beat. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace There's no doubt why Arsenal are now numerous fans' favorites to win the Premier League this season. Examine their outcomes against West Ham and Crystal Palace versus those same matches during the prior term. The Gunners have beaten all of them during this campaign, but lost 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race last season. Defensive Dominance Arsenal's defensive solidity is a crucial element why they are looking well positioned to finally fulfil their title goal. They stand first for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), shots faced (72), quality opportunities against (19) and xGA (5.3). The central defensive pairing 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 Expertise Their danger from dead balls is widely recognized, but competing clubs still don't know how to stop the Gunners from these opportunities. They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more 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 afraid of them and it is excellent to see." Championship Credentials What is particularly notable about Arsenal's start 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 leading by four at the top. While they continue triumphing, their long-standing opponents are struggling. This marks the initial occasion 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 head coach Mikel Arteta at the start, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004. But the business has so far paid off in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite numerous injuries. Shutouts in three straight Premier League games Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across various contests Former players and pundits have described Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now performing with conviction and determination.