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It's evident why Arsenal are now countless pundits' top picks to claim the Premier League during this term.

Examine their performances against West Ham and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches last season.

The Gunners have defeated all of them in the current season, but dropped 10 points across those games as they dropped off in the title race previously.

Defensive Strength

Arsenal's backline resilience is a key reason why they are appearing strong to at last realize their title goal.

They lead the league for unbreached games (6), goals conceded (3), attempts against (72), dangerous chances allowed (19) and expected goals against (5.3).

The center-back duo 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.

Dead-Ball Excellence

Their danger from dead balls is highly documented, but competing clubs still don't know how to contain the Gunners from these situations.

They have registered 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 excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just wary of them and it is excellent to see."

Title Credentials

What is even more notable about Arsenal's start to the campaign is they have also played 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 aren't faring so well. 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 manager Mikel Arteta at the start, having invested around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that elusive first title since 2004.

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

• Shutouts in each of their last three Premier League games
• Nearly 6.5 hours without conceding a goal
• Only a handful of concessions in 12 games across all competitions

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