🔗 Share this article 'People are afraid' - why 'juggernaut' Arsenal have become the team to beat. Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates Arsenal's victory over Crystal Palace It's evident why Arsenal have become many people's favorites to secure the Premier League this season. Look at their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those equivalent matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have defeated all of them in the current season, but lost 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race last season. Defensive Dominance Arsenal's defensive solidity is a primary factor why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title goal. They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), opposition efforts (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the strongest in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Mastery Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but opposition teams still find it difficult to neutralize the Gunners from these chances. They have scored 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 do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is excellent 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 on home turf - and are still four points clear at the top. While they keep winning, their long-standing opponents face difficulties. 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 scrutiny was on manager Mikel Arteta at the outset, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in quest of that coveted first title since 2004. But the spending has so far proven successful in impressive fashion, with his side second top scorers in the league and having the most resilient defense, despite multiple injuries. Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games 385 minutes without conceding a goal Only three goals in 12 games across various contests Former players and analysts have described Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and purpose.