🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - why 'powerhouse' Arsenal have become the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace There's little doubt why Arsenal are now numerous fans' preferred choice to secure the Premier League in the current campaign. Look at their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace versus those equivalent 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 backline resilience is a key reason why they are seeming ready to at last realize their title target. They lead the league for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), shots faced (72), shots on target faced (19) and expected goals against (5.3). The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is possibly the finest in the league, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Dead-Ball Superiority Their effectiveness from free kicks is well known, but rival sides still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these chances. They have registered 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 excel in various aspects now. The whole team has a intimidation presence. People are just fearful of them and it is excellent to see." Title Claims What is particularly remarkable about Arsenal's beginning 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 maintain victories, their long-standing opponents aren't faring so well. This marks the initial occasion 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 scrutiny was on manager Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having allocated around £250m on eight summer signings in pursuit of that elusive first title since 2004. But the investment has so far paid off in style, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and possessing the tightest defense, despite several injuries. Clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games 385 minutes without conceding a goal Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions Former players and analysts have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now functioning with confidence and determination.