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The proof is undeniable why Arsenal have become many people's top picks to secure the Premier League this season.

Examine their performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace in contrast with those equivalent matches during the prior term.

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

Impenetrable Defense

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

They lead the league for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Dead-Ball Superiority

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but competing clubs still struggle to stop the Gunners from these chances.

They have scored 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 fearful of them and it is great to see."

Championship Credentials

What is even more remarkable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United at opposition grounds and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still ahead by four points at the top.

While they keep winning, their historic competitors are struggling. 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 boss Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in quest of that elusive first title since 2004.

But the spending has so far paid off in style, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries.

• Unbreached games in three straight Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across various contests

Former players and experts have characterized Arteta's men as a "powerhouse, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now performing with conviction and determination.