'People are intimidated' - why 'juggernaut' Arsenal have become the side to defeat.

There's little doubt why Arsenal have become many people's preferred choice to secure the Premier League in the current campaign.

Consider their results against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches during the prior term.

The Gunners have beaten all of them in the current season, but surrendered 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 seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title target.

They rank top for clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), attempts against (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3).

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

Set-Piece Expertise

Their effectiveness from free kicks is highly documented, but opposition teams still struggle to stop the Gunners from these chances.

They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations.

"Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just wary of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Potential

What is especially remarkable about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also played Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City at home - and are still four points clear at the top.

While they maintain victories, their traditional rivals aren't faring so well. 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 expectations was on boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in pursuit of that coveted first title since 2004.

But the business has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side one of the most prolific attacks in the league and boasting the most resilient defense, despite several injuries.

• Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without allowing a goal
• Only a trio of goals in 12 games across all competitions

Former players and experts have described Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking hard to stop" with the whole club now functioning with belief and resolve.