🔗 Share this article 'People are fearful' - why 'juggernaut' Arsenal are the side to defeat. Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace The evidence is unmistakable why Arsenal stand as countless pundits' preferred choice to win the Premier League this season. Look at their outcomes against Newcastle and Crystal Palace compared to those identical matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have beaten all of them during this campaign, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race in the prior campaign. Defensive Dominance Arsenal's defensive strength is a key reason why they are seeming ready to finally fulfil their title target. They rank top for clean sheets (6), shots let in (3), attempts against (72), quality opportunities against (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the finest in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Expertise Their danger from dead balls is well known, but rival sides still struggle to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities. They have registered 11 times from set-pieces in the league, several additional 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 fear factor. People are just wary of them and it is excellent to see." Title Potential What is particularly impressive about Arsenal's beginning to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United on the road and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top. While they keep winning, their historic competitors face difficulties. 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 expectations was on head coach Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having spent around £250m on eight summer acquisitions in search of that long-awaited first title since 2004. But the spending has so far paid off in impressive fashion, with his side among the highest scorers in the league and boasting the tightest defense, despite several injuries. Shutouts in three consecutive Premier League games Nearly 6.5 hours without letting in a goal Only a trio of goals in 12 games across every tournament Former players and pundits have characterized Arteta's men as a "juggernaut, looking difficult to stop" with the whole club now performing with confidence and determination.